Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Pull Out of ICC

By Diafa Doubra,

In a bold diplomatic move, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of bias against African nations.

The three Sahel countries, currently led by military governments, declared on Monday that the ICC has failed to deliver impartial justice, arguing that it disproportionately targets African leaders while turning a blind eye to atrocities committed elsewhere.

Their decision comes at a time of rising tensions between the West and the new juntas, who have strengthened ties with Russia and distanced themselves from former colonial power, France.

Analysts say the withdrawal could further isolate the countries internationally, but their leaders insist it is necessary to protect national sovereignty and prevent what they describe as “external manipulation” of their domestic affairs.

The move has sparked concern among human rights groups, who warn that it may weaken efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations accountable in a region already plagued by terrorism and political instability.