Burundi's President Signs Bill on Withdrawal From the ICC

The president of Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza has signed a legislation to make Burundi the first country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. 

President Pierre Nkurunziza approved the law after it won lawmakers' support last week.
 
Burundi's decision to quit the ICC follows a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country. 

More than a year of deadly violence has followed Nkurunziza's controversial decision to pursue a third term. 

The Hague-based court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Some African countries have said it unfairly targets the continent.

Reports say a withdrawal from the ICC takes effect a year after the day the UN secretary general is formally notified of a country's intention.

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