Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdraw from International Criminal Court

From left, the heads of state of the three countries: Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tchiani and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore [File: Mahamadou Hamidou/Reuters]

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the institution of acting as a tool of neocolonial repression.

The military-led nations, which have already split from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, are also reportedly strengthening ties with Russia.

The decision comes as the three countries face ongoing Islamist insurgencies and allegations of atrocity crimes. Mali has been under ICC investigation since 2013 for alleged war crimes in its northern regions.

Analysts say the move highlights growing tensions between West African military-led governments and international judicial bodies, raising questions about accountability in conflict zones.