Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Announce Withdrawal from ICC

Bamako/Ouagadougou/Niamey – The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly declared their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), rejecting its jurisdiction and authority over their countries.

In a joint statement released Monday, the three West African nations said the decision was aimed at establishing “indigenous mechanisms” to safeguard peace, sovereignty, and justice within their borders.

The move comes as the ruling juntas of the Sahel region have strengthened their alliance, distancing themselves from Western institutions while deepening ties with alternative partners, including Russia.

The ICC, based in The Hague, has not yet issued an official response. The withdrawal, once formalized, could further complicate international accountability efforts in a region plagued by armed conflict, extremist violence, and allegations of human rights abuses.