ICC expresses concern over Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voiced "concern" regarding the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the foundational treaty of the tribunal. The court urged the three African nations to reconsider their departure, warning that such exits could undermine the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes.

In a statement, the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Statute, the court's governing body, lamented the decisions made by the three countries. It emphasized that the ICC's effectiveness relies on sustained and unequivocal support from the international community. The withdrawal, they stated, risks weakening the collective pursuit of justice and global efforts to end impunity.

The ICC urged Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reconsider their decision, remain members, and continue participating constructively in the court's work. The governing body reminded them that all member states have the right to raise concerns within the organ and encouraged the governments to maintain a constructive dialogue.

It was also noted that withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not absolve a country of obligations incurred while it was a party to the treaty. The withdrawal only becomes effective one year after formal notification and does not affect the obligation to cooperate with the court on investigations and cases initiated before the withdrawal takes effect. These three nations, currently governed by military juntas following coups, have also recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a broader trend of distancing from regional and international bodies within the Alliance of Sahel States.