BAMAKO, Mali – The military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) marking a dramatic step in their broader break from Western institutions.
The three Sahel nations declared they no longer recognize the court’s jurisdiction, accusing it of bias and selective justice.
In a statement from Bamako on Tuesday, the juntas described the ICC as an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression” that unfairly targets African states while ignoring abuses by powerful nations.
They argued that the decision was necessary to defend their sovereignty and pursue justice on their own terms.
“The ICC has arbitrarily prosecuted war crimes in Africa while serving the interests of former colonial powers,” the joint declaration said. The leaders stressed that they remain committed to human rights, but insisted such protections must align with their values and national priorities rather than “foreign dictates.”
The withdrawal mirrors their earlier decision to quit the Economic Community of West African States, another break justified on the grounds of sovereignty and independence from outside pressure.
All three countries have been under military rule since a series of coups between 2020 and 2023 toppled elected governments that had struggled against Islamist insurgencies.
Human rights groups, however, see the move as a retreat from accountability. Mali’s and Burkina Faso’s armed forces, along with allied militias, have been accused of committing atrocities in counterinsurgency operations, including massacres of civilians.
Militants themselves have also carried out large-scale killings. While national authorities claim investigations are underway, no findings have been made public.
The ICC, established in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, is tasked with prosecuting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
All European Union states are members, but notable global powers including the United States, Russia, and Israel are not signatories.
Analysts say the withdrawal reflects deeper geopolitical shifts. The juntas, all former French colonies, have turned sharply away from Western allies, expelling French troops and limiting cooperation with the EU and U.S.
Instead, they have embraced Russia as a security partner, relying on Moscow’s weapons, training, and mercenary support in their fight against Islamist insurgents.
The Sahel states remain among the world’s poorest, despite vast deposits of gold and uranium that are mostly mined by Western firms.
Their leaders argue that international institutions, including the ICC, have failed to support their struggle against terrorism while undermining their sovereignty.
Critics counter that quitting the ICC leaves victims of war crimes without hope of international justice.
“This decision sends a troubling signal that impunity will continue to prevail in the Sahel,” one rights advocate warned.
Still, officials in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey insist the move is irreversible. “Our nations will no longer submit to biased institutions that disregard our sacrifices,” the statement concluded.
The withdrawal underscores the growing realignment in the Sahel, where resentment of Western influence, economic hardship, and persistent insecurity have created fertile ground for closer partnerships with Russia.
