Tue Sep 23 08:56:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and maintaining a neutral tone:

**The Hindu: West African Nations Announce ICC Withdrawal, Citing Neo-Colonialism**

**Bamako, Mali – September 23, 2025:** Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based tribunal of selective justice and neo-colonial repression. The move, while anticipated following recent military coups in the three nations, marks a significant shift in their international relations.

The announcement, released late Monday, claims the ICC has become a tool of imperialism, without providing specific details to support the accusation. The military juntas leading the three countries emphasized a desire for greater sovereignty and suggested the possibility of establishing a regional alternative to the ICC.

Since seizing power, the governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), instead forging closer ties with Russia. This realignment comes as the ICC itself faces scrutiny, with Russian President Vladimir Putin currently under an ICC arrest warrant related to the conflict in Ukraine.

“From an Indian perspective, this situation highlights the complexities of international justice and the evolving geopolitical landscape,” notes an analyst at The Hindu. “The accusations of neo-colonialism resonate with historical narratives in many developing nations, including India, which emphasize the importance of sovereignty and self-determination in international affairs. The trend of states seeking alternative alliances and challenging established international norms warrants close observation.”

Withdrawal from the ICC requires at least a year. Hungary had also announced earlier this year it was withdrawing from the ICC. The full impact of this collective withdrawal on the international justice system and the future of West African security remains to be seen.

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