Niger Republic has officially submitted a request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), further advancing the military government’s move away from Western-backed international institutions.
The Hague-based court confirmed on Tuesday that it received Niger’s formal withdrawal notice on June 18.
The decision follows a joint announcement made by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso nine months ago, in which the three countries declared their intention to leave the ICC, accusing the court of advancing foreign interests.
According to the ICC, Niger’s withdrawal will become effective on June 18, 2027, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the court. Until then, the country remains subject to all obligations associated with its membership.
Niger is currently under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tchiani, whose administration came to power following a military takeover.
Responding to the development, the ICC expressed disappointment over Niger’s decision but acknowledged the country’s sovereign right to withdraw from international agreements.
The court emphasized that Niger will continue to be bound by its responsibilities as a member state until the withdrawal process is completed.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso first announced plans to leave the ICC in September 2025, describing the institution as a tool of external influence and neo-colonial control.
The three Sahel nations have increasingly distanced themselves from Western governments and organizations following a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023, while strengthening regional political and security cooperation among themselves.
All three countries continue to face security threats from extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. At the same time, international human rights organizations have raised concerns over alleged abuses committed by security forces during counter-insurgency operations.
Established in 2002, the ICC is responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious international offenses when national authorities are unable or unwilling to do so.
The court currently has 125 member states, although major global powers such as the United States, Russia, China, and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute.
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