The impact of the Rome statute on domestic law reforms in signatory and state party jurisdictions

This article analyzes the impact of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on domestic law reforms, with emphasis on Cameroon. Although Cameroon signed the Statute in 1998 without ratifying it, its provisions have shaped legal debates and reform agendas indirectly. The study examines the Statute’s influence, particularly complementarity, criminalization of core crimes, and cooperation requirements on legislative amendments, judicial reforms, and institutional innovations across African states. A comparative analysis of South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda illustrates achievements such as specialized courts, prosecutorial autonomy, and victim participation, alongside persistent challenges including political resistance, sovereignty disputes, limited capacity, and constitutional conflicts. The African Union’s unclear position further hinders implementation. The article concludes that the Statute offers a vital framework for accountability and judicial independence, while Cameroon’s ratification remains central to advancing international justice standards.