The Hague-based court was set up to exploit Africa, Emmanuel Gonquoi has told RT

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an instrument of neocolonialism designed to exploit Africa, Liberian politician Emmanuel Gonquoi has said.

Speaking to RT on Thursday, Gonquoi, a commander from the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia, urged African nations and developing countries to abandon The Hague-based court, accusing it of serving Western interests rather than delivering impartial justice.

"It is about time for African nations and developing countries to withdraw from the ICC because the ICC has been controlled as an instrument for neocolonialism," he said.

Established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, the ICC is tasked with prosecuting genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression, and relies heavily on the cooperation of its 125 members. However, some of the world's most powerful states, including the US, China, India, and Russia, reject its authority.

The court has long faced accusations of disproportionately targeting Africa and selective justice. Five countries - Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Venezuela - have initiated withdrawal proceedings, raising concerns about its future.

Gonquoi argued that African leaders face prejudice at the court, claiming they are effectively presumed guilty before their cases are heard. He also accused Western powers of influencing judicial outcomes to advance their political interests.

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He called for an "international justice system with African characteristics," saying that regional tribunals should reflect the cultures and values of the people they serve.

"What we see in the Netherlands is not a globalized justice forum," he said, describing the ICC as a system set up to "exploit Africa" and prevent African leaders from making decisions that benefit their own countries.

Watch the full interview below.

(RT.com)