The military-led West African nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly declared their intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), denouncing it as a "neo-colonial" instrument of repression.
In a unified statement released on September 23, 2025, the three countries criticized the ICC for its perceived ineffectiveness in prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and acts of aggression. They accused the court of bias and serving foreign geopolitical interests rather than delivering impartial justice.
These countries, all governed by military juntas following coups between 2020 and 2023, have previously distanced themselves from the West African regional organization ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). They have also sought closer ties with Russia.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been engaged in ongoing conflicts with Islamist militant groups in the Sahel that have caused widespread violence and instability. Human rights organizations have accused both militants and government forces of committing atrocities.
The ICC launched investigations in Mali in 2013 following a referral by the then government, focusing on alleged war crimes in northern regions during the insurgency.
The withdrawal from the ICC will become effective one year after official notification is submitted to the United Nations.
The three nations plan to develop "indigenous mechanisms" for peace and justice, signaling a shift toward regional solutions for accountability.