Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have officially withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move their citizens and leaders are celebrating as a step toward greater national autonomy.
The three West African nations, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023, announced their immediate departure from the UN-backed tribunal on Monday. They described the ICC as an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression,” arguing that its focus disproportionately targets African leaders.
In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, resident Emmanuel Kafando praised the decision as a milestone for “total independence.” He said, “It was high time we left this court, which was practically designed or pre-designed only for African leaders and not for all the leaders of the world.”
Another local, Lionel Dolomweogo, expressed similar sentiments, calling the withdrawal “a source of great satisfaction and joy.” He added, “We are sovereign, and every sovereign state must be able to take responsibility in all areas, including social and economic justice.”
Since forming their alliance, the three military-led governments have distanced themselves from Western partners and strengthened ties with countries like Russia. However, their armed forces have faced allegations of abuses against civilians amid ongoing conflict with jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
While the withdrawal has been welcomed in Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, international observers warn that it could hinder efforts to investigate and prosecute serious crimes in the region. The ICC, established in 2002, is tasked with addressing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and acts of aggression.
