The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is moving toward an exit from the International Criminal Court (ICC). During an extraordinary summit held in Niamey on September 16, as reported by Jeune Afrique.
Justice ministers of the three countries began discussions on this major decision, driven by a perception of bias against African states.
According to Mohamed Toumba, Niger’s interim Prime Minister, the ICC’s practices are “exclusively directed at African countries.” The central focus is the establishment of an autonomous regional jurisdiction to handle international crimes and organized crime. This initiative marks a further step in asserting their judicial and political autonomy.
AES leaders believe the ICC has become a tool of pressure, serving external interests to the detriment of African states. Mohamed Toumba stated, “The ICC has turned into a tool of repression,” highlighting what he sees as the Court’s role in maintaining order imposed by foreign powers.
Reports indicates the three countries intend to establish a Sahelian Criminal Court for Human Rights (CPS-DH), capable of judging not only international crimes but also terrorism and organized crime affecting the region. The project also includes the construction of a high-security prison for convicts from the three states.
This move could mark a turning point in judicial and security governance in the Sahel.