Global concern over Niger and allies leaving the international criminal court

The leadership of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute has expressed deep concern regarding Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). In an official statement issued this week, the ASP president highlighted the potential weakening of international efforts to combat impunity if these nations proceed with their withdrawal.

Diplomatic pressure to reconsider withdrawal

Päivi Kaukoranta, President of the ASP, voiced regret over the move, emphasizing that the departure of these three nations could undermine global judicial cooperation. She underscored the ICC’s critical role in the international justice system and urged the three countries to reconsider their decision, emphasizing that their continued engagement would strengthen collective efforts against grave crimes.

The ASP leadership also reminded member states of existing mechanisms within the Assembly that allow them to address concerns through dialogue rather than withdrawal. Additionally, it stressed that any withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not absolve a country of its obligations incurred during its membership period.

Niger officially notifies ICC of withdrawal

This statement follows Niger’s formal notification to the ICC on June 18, 2026, as confirmed by the Court. Under the terms of the Rome Statute, the withdrawal will take effect exactly one year later, on June 18, 2027.

Sahel bloc cites perceived bias and inefficiency

In September 2025, the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—announced their intention to leave the ICC. In a joint communiqué, they criticized the Court for its perceived failure to effectively prosecute the most serious crimes and accused it of operating with a “selective” approach. The AES further argued that the ICC had become a tool of “neo-colonial repression,” claiming that it remained silent on certain crimes while targeting actors outside the “circle of institutionalized international impunity.”

The communiqué was signed by Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, who was serving as the AES’s rotating chair at the time.