Three West African countries to quit International Criminal Court

The three military juntas, who came to power through coups, say the judicial body is 'incapable' of handling 'proven war crimes'.

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The three military-led countries issued a joint statement, saying they would not recognise the authority of the UN-backed court, based in The Hague.

"The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression," the three leaders said.

The court has not yet responded to the decision by the three countries, all of which with close ties to Russia whose leader Vladimir Putin has been subject to an ICC arrest warrant.

The three states said they wanted to set up "indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice".