In a bold move, the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger collectively declared their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The three West African nations sharply criticized the court, labeling it an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression” serving imperialist agendas.
These military regimes, which seized power in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey through a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, have solidified their alliance, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This confederation has increasingly distanced itself from Western powers, particularly from France, their former colonial ruler.
Their joint statement specifically denounced the Hague-based court, asserting that it acts as “an instrument of neo-colonialist repression in the hands of imperialism.”
They further argued that the ICC has “proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” highlighting perceived failures in its mandate.
Furthermore, the three nations expressed their ambition to establish “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice” within their own territories, aiming for locally driven solutions.
It’s important to note that a country’s withdrawal from the ICC typically becomes effective one year after the official notification is submitted to the UN general secretariat.
This withdrawal comes amidst the three West African states strengthening ties with nations like Russia. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself faces an ICC arrest warrant, issued in March 2023, concerning actions during the conflict in Ukraine.
These West African countries are currently grappling with severe violence from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Simultaneously, their national armies have also faced accusations of committing abuses against civilians.
Established in 2002, the International Criminal Court’s core mission is to prosecute individuals responsible for the most egregious international crimes, including war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, especially when national judicial systems are unwilling or unable to act.