Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdraw from the ICC, calling it a “neo-colonial” tool targeting African nations.
In a major diplomatic shift, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The three West African nations described the ICC as a “neo-colonial and imperialist” tool that disproportionately targets African leaders and undermines their sovereignty.
According to statements from their respective governments, the decision reflects growing dissatisfaction with what they perceive as biased investigations and prosecutions against African countries while overlooking similar issues in more powerful nations. Leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger say the ICC’s actions compromise the independence and self-determination of African states.
This move comes amid rising anti-colonial sentiment and stronger regional alliances in the Sahel. Analysts believe the withdrawal signals a broader push for African nations to build independent legal and security structures outside of international institutions perceived as Western-controlled.
The ICC, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, is tasked with prosecuting crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. While several African countries remain ICC members, critics argue the Court has disproportionately focused on the continent compared to other regions.
Observers say the collective withdrawal by these three countries may inspire other African states to reconsider their membership. For now, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have vowed to pursue justice through regional frameworks and their national judicial systems.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Court Reschedules Nnamdi Kanu’s “No-Case Submission” Ruling to September 26, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why did Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger leave the ICC?
They cited the ICC as a “neo-colonial and imperialist” institution, accusing it of unfairly targeting African countries while ignoring alleged crimes in more powerful nations. - When did the withdrawal take effect?
The governments recently announced their decision, with formal withdrawal following the legal processes outlined under the Rome Statute. - Does this mean African countries are rejecting international justice?
Not necessarily. These countries plan to pursue justice through their own courts and regional mechanisms rather than international bodies they view as biased. - What is the International Criminal Court?
The ICC is an independent tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. - Could more African nations leave the ICC?
Analysts believe the coordinated withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger could influence other countries to reconsider their membership.