Sahel States Begin ICC Withdrawal Process

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have formally begun the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal confirmed receiving official notices from the three countries.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute said the withdrawal notifications had been received, triggering the one-year process required before the countries’ exit from the court becomes effective. Until then, all three states remain bound by their obligations under the Rome Statute.

The military-led governments first announced plans to leave the ICC in September 2025, describing the court as “a tool of neocolonial repression” that unfairly targets African countries. The decision forms part of a broader effort to reduce ties with institutions the three governments consider to be aligned with foreign interests.

Established under the Rome Statute in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so. The court has consistently rejected allegations of anti-African bias, saying a number of its investigations were opened at the request of African states or through referrals by the United Nations Security Council.

The withdrawal process comes as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger continue to strengthen their political and security partnership under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries have also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the military takeovers that brought their current governments to power.

The ICC said investigations and legal proceedings initiated before the withdrawals take effect will continue in line with the provisions of the Rome Statute.

SOURCE: Reuters