Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
By Chris Williams
In a bold move, the West African nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have jointly declared their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), branding it an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression.” The announcement, made in a collective statement on Monday, 23 September 2025, marks a significant escalation in the trio’s efforts to distance themselves from international bodies perceived as Western-dominated. This decision follows their earlier exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025, amid ongoing military rule and regional tensions. As South Africa commemorates Heritage Day on 24 September, celebrating our shared African identity and resistance to colonialism, this development resonates with broader continental debates on sovereignty and the role of global institutions in African affairs.
The three countries, under military juntas since coups between 2020 and 2023, argue that the ICC unfairly targets African nations while ignoring crimes by Western powers. Human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the move as a setback for justice in the Sahel region, where atrocities by jihadist groups and security forces have gone unpunished. The withdrawal process, as per the Rome Statute, takes a year to take effect after formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General.
Joint Statement Accuses ICC of Bias and Repression
In their unified declaration, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger described the ICC as a tool used by neo-colonial forces to suppress African sovereignty. “The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a ‘sovereign decision,’” the official statement read, emphasising their rejection of what they view as biased international justice. The countries, part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formed in 2024, have increasingly aligned with Russia and distanced themselves from France and other Western allies.
This is not the first time African nations have criticised the ICC for alleged anti-African bias. Past withdrawals include Burundi in 2017, with Gambia and South Africa also threatening to leave but later reversing. The trio’s move could embolden others dissatisfied with the court’s focus on African cases, where 10 out of 11 ongoing investigations involve the continent.
Human Rights Groups Warn of Impunity Setback
Amnesty International described the withdrawal as “a serious backwards step in the fight against impunity in the Sahel region and worldwide.” The organisation fears it will undermine accountability for atrocities committed by jihadists, security forces, and militias in the region, where conflicts have displaced millions and killed thousands.
Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns: “The announced withdrawal from the ICC treaty by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will undermine accountability and deprive people in the Sahel of an important avenue for justice.” Both groups urged the countries to reconsider, noting the ICC’s role in addressing crimes where national courts fail.
Regional Context: AES and Shifting Alliances
The decision aligns with the AES’s push for greater autonomy from Western influence. Formed after the trio’s ECOWAS exit, the alliance has strengthened ties with Russia, including military pacts and economic deals. Burkina Faso’s junta leader Ibrahim Traoré has openly criticised the ICC as a tool of imperialism, vowing to protect national sovereignty.
This move could complicate international efforts to combat terrorism in the Sahel, where groups like JNIM and IS-Sahel operate amid weak governance. It also raises questions on how victims of atrocities will seek justice without ICC recourse.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube