The country warned that the move threatens the integrity and independence of international legal institutions.

In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the government said the action by Washington undermines the ICC’s crucial role in promoting accountability for the most serious crimes committed across the globe.

“SA, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the Court's efforts to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable,” said Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations.

The US sanctions, which include travel restrictions and potential asset freezes, have sparked global criticism from human rights groups and legal experts, who say they set a dangerous precedent for interfering with international justice.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--