Niger’s Minister of Interior and Decentralisation, Mohamed Toumba, announced on Monday that the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has recommended prosecuting France and Ukraine at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged backing of terrorism.br br “I am pleased to note the decision to systematically prosecute France and Ukraine. I would also like to thank the national courts for bringing charges against France 24, RFI, and TV5Monde, media organisations whose editorial line also includes an apology for terrorism,” Toumba told delegates at the second meeting of AES justice ministers.br br The move builds on proposals from an earlier meeting in Bamako, where ministers suggested creating a Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court and a high-security prison to handle terrorism cases, reducing reliance on international institutions.br br The AES has accused France, Ukraine, and several foreign media outlets of 'supporting terrorism'. The claims include prosecuting France 24, RFI, and TV5Monde for 'apology for terrorism', suspending their broadcasts, and investigating a France 24 journalist for alleged links to jihadist groups.br br AES also wrote to the UN Security Council, accusing Ukraine of backing rebels in the Sahel, though Kiev has denied it.br br Meanwhile, Niamey’s Governor Asoumana Abdou Harouna criticised the International Criminal Court, claiming it had been used by powerful nations to undermine African sovereignty.br br “The International Criminal Court is whatever those who see themselves as champions of human rights, free speech, and democracy want it to be. The Court is whatever the powerful nations, whose favourite sport is to stifle free expression in their former colonies, want it to be. What is the International Criminal Court worth to those who demonise our people and their leaders?” he asked.br br The meeting coincided with the alliance’s second anniversary, bringing together delegations from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Created in September 2023 under the Liptako-Gourma Charter, the AES transformed into a confederation at a July 2024 summit to deepen judicial, legal and security cooperation.br br Follow us on:br WhatsApp cutt.lyWhatsAppCFMbr br Subscribe to Capital FM News for More: br 98.4 Capital FMbr 93.0 Western Kenyabr 98.5 Nakuru and Nyeribr 104.5 Malindibr 102.7 Garissabr 103.9 Merubr 106.5 Kituibr 104.