Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the court as an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression.” In a joint statement, the military-led governments of the three countries declared they would not recognize the ICC, criticizing its effectiveness in prosecuting war crimes and other serious offenses. They expressed a desire to establish “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice” instead.

The announcement follows the issuance of an ICC arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the three nations maintain close ties with Russia. The ICC, established in 2002, has faced criticism for predominantly prosecuting cases involving African nations, with all but one of the 33 cases since its inception involving an African country.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are currently governed by military juntas following coups between 2020 and 2023, also withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) earlier this year after rejecting calls to restore democratic governance. The region has seen rising violence from jihadist groups, and these governments have been accused of human rights violations against civilians amid ongoing conflict. Their withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after the UN is notified.



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