Niger begins ICC exit, alleges selective justice by Hague court

Niger has formally notified the United Nations that it is leaving the International Criminal Court. The move deepens the Sahel junta bloc's break with Western institutions as violence worsens at home.

In Short

• The withdrawal will take effect 12 months after the UN receives notice
• Any crimes committed before departure remain under the court's jurisdiction
• ICC expressed disappointment, calling membership vital to ending impunity for grave crimes

Niger has formally begun the process of leaving the International Criminal Court, accusing the Hague-based tribunal of selective justice. The West African country submitted a letter to the United Nations on Monday, setting in motion its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that set up the court.

In its letter, Niger said, "While the court had raised great hopes among peoples who cherish peace and justice, it has been misused and exploited." The ICC said it was disappointed by the move, saying, "We regret any decision to depart from the collective effort to end impunity for the most serious international crimes."

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso had announced last year that they would leave the court. Niger's decision comes after a 2023 coup removed its democratically elected government. Since then, the military junta has broken with longstanding partners and built new alliances, including with Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin is wanted by the ICC over the war in Ukraine. Mali and Burkina Faso have seen similar political shifts.

Niger will become the third country to leave the ICC after the Philippines and Burundi. Its withdrawal will take effect 12 months after the letter is received, though any crimes committed before its exit becomes official will still fall under the court's jurisdiction.

The announcement comes amid worsening violence in Niger. Earlier this month, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked the main airport in the capital, Niamey. It was the second attack on the airport this year. The site is a strategic hub for the ruling military, housing its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft. It also serves as the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The attack is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centres in Africa's Sahel region. In another development related to the ICC, Hungary moved to leave the court last year but reversed course after Viktor Orban was ousted as president in elections in April.

With its letter to the UN, Niger has formally set its ICC exit in motion, while the court has expressed regret over the decision and the withdrawal will take effect after a year, with existing jurisdiction remaining in place until then.

With PTI Inputs

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