Military-led governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing concerns over what they described as “neocolonial repression.”
In a joint statement issued on Monday, September 22, the three West African states accused the ICC of selective justice and failing to prosecute major war crimes.
They argued the court had become an instrument of imperialism and declared plans to establish indigenous mechanisms for peace and justice.
The move follows their earlier exit from ECOWAS and reflects a broader shift away from Western alliances.
The countries, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have strengthened military ties with Russia amid ongoing jihadist violence and allegations of abuses by their own forces.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Major powers like the US, China, Russia, and Israel are not members of the court.
