Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Exit From International Criminal Court, Say It’s “Neo-Colonial” Institution

The military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their exit from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the tribunal as a “neo-colonial” institution serving imperialist interests.

The military rulers had formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) since they seized power in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey between 2020 and 2023.

The confederation has since taken a hard stance against Western influence, particularly that of former colonial power France.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three military-controlled countries said the ICC was “an instrument of neo-colonialist repression in the hands of imperialism,” according to Barron’s, quoting AFP report.

“The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the statement read.

“The governments added that they intended to develop “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice.”

Under ICC rules, a state’s withdrawal becomes effective one year after its formal notification is submitted to the UN secretary-general.

The move underscores the Sahel states’ growing alignment with countries such as Russia, whose president, Vladimir Putin, has been under an ICC arrest warrant since March 2023 over the war in Ukraine.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have continued to battle deadly insurgencies from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, while their own security forces face accusations of atrocities against civilians.

Established in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, the ICC was created to prosecute individuals for the gravest crimes, including war crimes and genocide, when national courts are unable or unwilling to act.
(SaharaReporters)