- Niger has formally requested to withdraw from the International Criminal Court
- The withdrawal will officially take effect in June 2027
- The ICC said it regrets the decision but respects Niger’s sovereign right
Niger Republic has formally begun the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), taking another step in the military government’s effort to reduce its ties with Western-backed international institutions.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, confirmed on Tuesday that it received Niger’s official notice of withdrawal on June 18, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Federal Lawmaker Yaya Tongo Dies In Abuja Hospital
- Rep. Wale Raji Celebrates Alhaja Aduke Salimot Seriki on Birthday
- Nancy Isime Recalls Alex Ekubo’s Fearless Humor, Generosity at Late Actor’s Tribute
The decision follows a joint announcement made by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in September 2025, when the three military-led Sahel nations declared their intention to leave the global court, accusing it of advancing foreign interests.
Under the Rome Statute, Niger’s withdrawal will become effective on June 18, 2027. Until that date, the country will remain bound by all its obligations as a member of the court.
Niger is currently under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power after a military coup.
Responding to the development, the ICC said it respected the sovereign right of countries to join or leave international treaties but expressed disappointment over Niger’s decision.
The court stated that while withdrawal is a legal right under international law, it regretted any move that weakens global efforts to combat impunity for serious international crimes.
The ICC also stressed that Niger remains fully subject to its legal responsibilities until the withdrawal officially takes effect.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have steadily distanced themselves from Western governments and international institutions following a series of military takeovers between 2020 and 2023.
The three countries have since strengthened regional cooperation through new political and security alliances while continuing military operations against insurgent groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
However, international human rights organisations have accused security forces in the region of committing abuses against civilians during some counter-insurgency operations.
Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious international offences when national judicial systems are unable or unwilling to do so.
The court currently has 125 member states, although countries such as the United States, Russia, China and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute that established the tribunal.
FURTHER READING
- Canada End 40-Year Wait For World Cup Point After Draw Against Bosnia
- Guterres Taps Nigeria’s Eziakonwa to Lead UN Africa Desk as Special Adviser
- “I’m Ready to Rebuild Nigeria” – Atiku
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE WEEK
https://youtu.be/Mxw6ji3sejg
