Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on Monday announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as a tool of “neo-colonial repression.”
In a joint statement, the three military-led governments accused the court of bias and failing to prosecute major global crimes. They said the ICC had “proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.”
The decision comes after a series of coups in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey between 2020 and 2023, which led the countries to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Since then, they have distanced themselves from Western powers, especially former colonial ruler France, while strengthening ties with Russia.
The statement added that the countries intend to build “indigenous mechanisms for peace and justice” instead of relying on international institutions.
Under ICC rules, a withdrawal only takes effect one year after it is formally submitted to the United Nations Secretary-General.
The move follows growing criticism of the ICC in Africa, where some leaders accuse it of disproportionately targeting African states while ignoring violations in more powerful countries.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are all struggling with violent insurgencies by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Their armed forces, however, have also faced allegations of abuses against civilians.
Founded in 2002 and based in The Hague, the ICC is tasked with prosecuting individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, particularly where national courts are unwilling or unable to act.
The three Sahel nations’ withdrawal highlights their broader shift away from Western institutions toward alternative alliances as they seek new strategies to address insecurity and governance challenges.
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