Amnesty International has raised alarm over the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to exit the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The rights watchdog described the move as a major setback in the global fight against impunity, warning that it undermines justice for victims and survivors of serious crimes. The three governments have one year before their withdrawal from the Rome Statute takes effect.

Amnesty says once formalized, the exit will close the door to justice for future victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide committed in these Sahel states.

Ousmane Diallo, Amnesty’s senior researcher for West and Central Africa, called the decision an affront to survivors and a blow to accountability efforts worldwide.