The military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), denouncing it as a “neo-colonial instrument of repression in the hands of imperialism.”
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three countries—currently governed by juntas following successive coups—declared that they no longer recognized the ICC’s legitimacy, accusing the court of pursuing “selective justice” while failing to address war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression in various parts of the world.
“The ICC has become a global symbol of double standards and selective prosecution, serving Western interests rather than delivering impartial justice,” the statement read. The countries said they would instead focus on building “indigenous mechanisms” to consolidate peace and justice within their borders.
Legally, their exit involves a formal withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Under international law, the withdrawal will only become effective one year after the notification is lodged with the United Nations Secretary-General. Until then, the three nations remain bound by their obligations under the statute, and investigations or proceedings relating to crimes committed during their membership may still continue.
The decision comes amid rising tension between these Sahel nations and Western powers, particularly France, as the juntas continue to pivot towards alternative alliances, including strengthening ties with Russia. The three countries have also consolidated their cooperation under the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signaling a deliberate departure from traditional Western-dominated institutions.
Rights groups have expressed concern that the withdrawal could undermine accountability in a region plagued by violent insurgencies and widespread allegations of human rights abuses. Both jihadist groups and state security forces have been accused of atrocities, prompting fears that victims may be left without recourse to international justice.
Despite international criticism, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger maintain that their exit from the ICC is necessary to reclaim sovereignty and resist what they describe as foreign interference in African affairs.
Would you like me to expand this narrative with international reactions from the UN, AU, or EU to show the global weight of this decision?