Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Sever Ties with International Criminal Court Amid Perceived Bias

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Withdraw from International Criminal Court In a joint statement on Monday, the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The decision was made in response to what they perceive as the court's biased approach to justice. The three countries accused the ICC of becoming "a global example of selective justice," stating that its jurisdiction had "transformed into an instrument of neocolonial repression in the hands of imperialism." They also claimed that the ICC is "incapable" of prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. This argument echoes their previous justification for withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2023. "We have come to realize that the ICC's primary goal is not to bring perpetrators to justice but to serve as a tool for powerful nations to exert control over weaker ones," said a spokesperson for the Malian government. "We will now focus on creating indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice within our borders." The decision has sparked concerns among human rights groups, who fear that it may embolden other countries to follow suit. "This withdrawal sends a worrying signal about the willingness of some governments to disregard international law," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. Background on the situation is necessary to understand the context behind this move. The three countries have been plagued by military coups in recent years, with Mali experiencing two coups since 2020 and Burkina Faso undergoing a coup in 2022. Niger also saw a coup in 2023. These events led to the formation of a confederation among the three nations. The ICC has faced criticism for its handling of cases involving African countries. In 2019, the court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, was accused of bias towards African leaders. The court's decision to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan in 2020 also sparked controversy. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear what this withdrawal will mean for the ICC and its ability to prosecute international crimes. However, one thing is certain: the move has sent shockwaves through the global community, raising questions about the effectiveness of international institutions in promoting justice and accountability. The three countries have announced that they will now focus on creating their own mechanisms for addressing war crimes and human rights abuses within their borders. This decision has sparked debate among experts, with some arguing that it may lead to a lack of accountability for perpetrators while others see it as an opportunity for African nations to take control of their own justice systems. The withdrawal from the ICC is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving the international community time to assess its implications and respond accordingly. *Reporting by Dw.*