Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), criticizing it as a tool for “neo-colonialist repression.” In a joint statement, the three military-led nations announced they would not recognize the ICC’s authority, which is located in The Hague. They claimed that the ICC has failed to effectively prosecute verified cases of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.
The court has not yet responded to the decision made by these three countries, all of which have strong ties to Russia. Its President, Vladimir Putin, currently has an ICC arrest warrant.
The states expressed their intention to establish “native mechanisms for peace and justice consolidation.” They accused the ICC of targeting underprivileged countries, echoing Rwanda President Paul Kagime’s prior allegation of an anti-African sentiment. Established in 2002, the ICC’s mission is to address cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
Out of the 33 investigations initiated since its inception, all except one involved African States. Legally, a country’s withdrawal from the ICC becomes effective one year after the UN is notified.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are led by military junta forces following coups in the Sahel between 2020 and 2023. Associated with the Confederation of Sahel States, their armies have been accused of crimes against civilians amid increasing violence against jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Earlier this year, the three states simultaneously withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), after refusing to reinstate democratic rule according to Ecowas’ demand. These countries have increasingly aligned themselves with Russia, reducing their ties with the West, particularly France, the former colonial power in the region.
In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin due to his alleged involvement in war crimes in Ukraine.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjvp0pr3eko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
