Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Start ICC Withdrawal Process

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially begun the process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), as confirmed by the ICC. This decision marks a significant shift in the engagement of these military-led West African countries with the global justice system.

The formal notification to the ICC indicates their intent to withdraw, with the process expected to commence in September 2025. The withdrawal is part of a broader alliance among Sahel states, which aims to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by 2024.

The countries have expressed a desire to strengthen ties with Russia and distance themselves from France and other Western partners. The ICC has warned that the withdrawal of member states could undermine global efforts to ensure accountability for serious international crimes.

Currently, the ICC has 125 member states, while major powers such as China, India, Russia, the United States, and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute that established the court.