In a bold political move, the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formally announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This decision, made public on Monday, is framed as a response to what these countries deem to be the court’s role as a “neo-colonial” instrument used by imperial powers.
The three West African nations, which have each experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, are part of an alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These countries have progressively distanced themselves from Western influence, notably that of former colonial power France. In a joint statement, the three nations explained that the ICC has failed to deliver justice, particularly when it comes to prosecuting “proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.”
The statement further expressed that the court has become a tool of oppression for the West, reinforcing the perception that the ICC is an extension of imperialist policies aimed at controlling African sovereignty. “The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the statement read. The countries also emphasized their intent to establish “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice,” signaling their desire for homegrown solutions to conflict and justice within the Sahel.
While the withdrawal from the ICC does not take immediate effect, with a one-year waiting period mandated by the UN General Secretariat, the decision has already sparked widespread debate. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have increasingly aligned themselves with Russia, whose president, Vladimir Putin, has faced an arrest warrant from the ICC for his involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The West African countries are grappling with devastating violence from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. In addition, their military forces are facing allegations of committing atrocities against civilians. Despite this, these nations are standing firm on their decision, calling for an alternative approach to peace-building and justice—one that does not rely on foreign institutions.
The ICC, founded in 2002, was designed to prosecute individuals accused of committing the world’s most serious crimes. However, the decision of these three countries to withdraw raises critical questions about the court’s legitimacy, particularly in its dealings with African nations. The latest move from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger represents a significant chapter in the evolving political landscape of West Africa, as these nations push back against international frameworks they view as unjust or biased.
