The Hague, Netherlands (Running Africa) — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voiced concern over the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the Rome Statute, warning that the move could undermine global efforts to combat impunity and deliver justice for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

The three military-led West African nations, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2024, announced their intention to leave the ICC last year, arguing that the court has become an instrument of what they described as “neo-colonial repression.”

In a statement, the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC’s governing body, said it regretted the decision and encouraged the three countries to remain engaged with the court and the broader international justice system.

The Assembly stressed that the ICC plays a vital role in ensuring accountability for the world’s most serious crimes and depends on the cooperation and support of its member states to carry out its mandate effectively.

It also urged Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to address any concerns through dialogue within the Assembly’s framework rather than withdrawing from the treaty.

The ICC further noted that a country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not erase legal obligations or cooperation requirements arising from actions or investigations initiated while it was still a member of the court.

The withdrawals mark another shift in relations between the Alliance of Sahel States and Western-backed international institutions, as the three governments continue to reshape their foreign policy and regional alliances following recent military takeovers.

The International Criminal Court currently has 125 member states, although several major global powers—including China, India, Russia, the United States, and Israel—remain outside the court’s jurisdiction after choosing not to join the Rome Statute.