THE trial of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is being viewed as a pivotal moment for global justice and a powerful statement on accountability. For many in Africa, the case offers renewed hope that international law can deliver justice to all regions, not just the continent long accused of bearing the ICC’s brunt.
According to AFP, Duterte is the first former Asian head of state to be transferred to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity. His appearance before ICC judges comes at a time when the court faces intense criticism, sanctions, and challenges to its legitimacy. Yet, experts say this high-profile trial could reassert the ICC’s relevance and reshape global expectations of justice.
A turning point for the ICC and global accountability
Duterte’s swift extradition from Manila to The Hague is seen by many observers as a much-needed boost for the ICC, which has faced criticism for years over its perceived focus on prosecuting African leaders. Willem van Genugten, Professor of International Law at Tilburg University, told AFP that Duterte’s arrest is ‘a gift at an important moment in time.’ He said the case shows that no political leader is above the law.
Melanie O’Brien, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Western Australia, described Duterte’s appearance as ‘monumental,’ adding that it reinforces the notion that international law and justice are still alive. ‘This is a really positive thing for the ICC and for international law,’ O’Brien said, as quoted by AFP.
For Africa, where past ICC prosecutions of figures such as former Cote d’Ivoire president Laurent Gbagbo, former DR Congo vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba, and former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta have drawn criticism, the Duterte case offers a new perspective.
Lessons for Africa: justice beyond borders
Critics have long argued that the ICC disproportionately targets Africa. However, Duterte’s case shifts the spotlight. According to O’Brien, the ICC’s focus on a former Asian leader demonstrates that the court’s pursuit of justice transcends continents.
‘It’s very important to have caught such a big fish, showing the world again that impunity is not an option—even for former political leaders,’ van Genugten told AFP.
For African nations, this trial highlights the importance of strengthening domestic legal systems and ensuring that justice is pursued at home before it reaches international forums. Duterte’s prosecution underscores that international justice is evolving and no longer confined to targeting one region.
The ICC’s struggle for relevance amid global attacks
Duterte’s trial comes at a time when the ICC faces unprecedented challenges. According to AFP, ICC President Tomoko Akane recently warned of an ‘existential’ threat to the institution. Sanctions imposed by Russia after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin and sanctions by US President Donald Trump over cases involving Israel have further strained the court’s standing.
Yet, Duterte’s handover has revitalised the court. Mark Kersten, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of the Fraser Valley, told AFP that having a former head of state in detention proves the ICC still matters. ‘It gives the court a trial at a time when it desperately needs one,’ he said.
A potential shift in global norms
The Duterte case could mark a shift in global justice norms. Although critics argue that ICC arrest warrants for figures like Putin and Netanyahu are symbolic and unlikely to be enforced, Duterte’s extradition proves otherwise.
‘This is proof that this can actually happen,’ O’Brien told AFP. ‘Regimes change, and political dynamics shift. No one can predict the future of any leader in any country.’
For African observers, this is a clear signal that international justice mechanisms remain relevant and could be applied anywhere. It’s a reminder that accountability is not a Western tool aimed at Africa but a universal principle meant to uphold human rights worldwide.
Africa’s justice systems: time for reflection
Duterte’s prosecution offers African nations an opportunity to reflect on their own justice systems. The trial could encourage African leaders to strengthen their domestic legal frameworks to avoid international intervention.
Many human rights defenders in Africa have long called for a stronger focus on justice at home. The Duterte case illustrates that the ICC is capable of holding leaders to account far beyond Africa’s borders, reaffirming the importance of justice as a global standard.
Justice without borders
As Rodrigo Duterte faces trial at the ICC, the case is being hailed as a turning point for global justice. For Africa, it is both a moment of validation and a challenge to ensure that justice and accountability are pursued domestically with vigour.
If the trial proceeds successfully, as legal experts quoted by AFP suggest, it could restore faith in the ICC’s mission and prove that the court stands for justice for all—no matter where the crimes occur.
