Mali, Burkina Faso Niger Announce Exit From ICC In Sharp Break With The West

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have formally withdrawn from the International Criminal Court, accusing it of neocolonial repression and selective justice.

The three Sahel nations announced their decision in a joint statement released Monday. They described the court as an “instrument of imperialism” that undermines sovereignty.

The statement, signed by the transitional authorities in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey, stressed that their withdrawal is aimed at reclaiming independence in global affairs.

This move signals a further break from western institutions. In January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States. They subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional body they described as more attuned to their security and political needs.

According to observers, their latest withdrawal aligns with a broader strategy of reducing reliance on Europe while strengthening relations with Russia and other non-western allies.

The governments emphasized that the ICC has failed to achieve its mission of impartial justice. They claimed that powerful nations remain untouched while African states face disproportionate scrutiny.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have been ICC members for more than twenty years. Their departure raises questions about accountability for abuses linked to prolonged conflicts in the Sahel.

All three countries are battling violent insurgencies by Islamist militants who control significant territory and routinely target security forces and civilians.

Human rights groups have accused state forces, militias, and insurgents of serious abuses, including extrajudicial killings, mass displacement, and unlawful detentions.

The ICC has been active in the region since 2013, when it opened investigations into alleged war crimes committed in northern Mali.

Critics of the court argue it focuses disproportionately on African nations, while supporters see it as one of the few credible avenues for accountability.

This joint withdrawal underscores growing frustration across the Sahel with western-dominated institutions. Analysts say it highlights a deepening shift toward alternative alliances and regional self-determination.