Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as an instrument of “neo-colonialist repression.” The move, unveiled in a joint statement on September 22, comes amid efforts by the three juntas to distance themselves from Western institutions and oversight by a major regional bloc.

The West African military leaders, who seized power in successive coups between 2020 and 2023, have aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Since forming the bloc in 2023, they have deepened security and economic cooperation and sought to reduce reliance on former colonial power France while deepening ties with Russia.

In late January 2025, they also formally withdrew from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had pressured them to set and adhere to timelines to restore democratic rule.

In their declaration, as cited by AFP and Reuters, the Sahel governments said the ICC had “proven incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression.” They pledged instead to create “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice.”

According to the Rome Statute, a withdrawal from the ICC would only take effect one year after a formal notification is delivered to the UN Secretary General. Their move comes amid sensitive investigations, including the ICC’s arrest warrant issued in March 2023 against Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

In August, Russia hosted its first formal military talks with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, marking a significant step in Moscow’s efforts to expand its influence in West Africa, particularly in the energy and mining sectors. The meeting brought together senior defence officials from the three Sahelian nations, marking the first official engagement between Russia and the AES.

The Sahelian states continue to battle insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have also accused their security forces of abuses against civilians. Quitting the ICC could reduce external scrutiny at a time when the AES is consolidating power and expanding ties with Russia and other non-Western partners.