Niger Withdraws From International Criminal Court

Niger has formally initiated its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, becoming the third country to leave the tribunal after Burundi and the Philippines.

The military-led government accused the court of selective justice in a letter sent to the United Nations.

Authorities said the court, which was established to support peace and accountability, had been misused and exploited.

The decision follows Niger’s 2023 military coup and a series of foreign policy shifts by the country’s military rulers.

The move has renewed debate over allegations that the court has focused disproportionately on African countries and nationals.

Critics of the ICC say its record has created perceptions of unequal treatment and strengthened calls for African-led approaches to international justice.

Supporters of the court reject those claims, saying some investigations in Africa were opened at the request of member states or through United Nations Security Council referrals.

The ICC said it was disappointed by Niger’s decision and called for continued international cooperation against impunity, according to AP.

Niger’s withdrawal will take effect 12 months after the United Nations receives the formal notice.

It was not immediately clear whether Niger would support a regional alternative to the ICC.

SOURCE: AllAfrica, Leadership, AP