The government of Chad has officially announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing concerns over its limited and inconsistent effectiveness. This decision comes after a thorough review of the court’s operations since its establishment in 2002, with officials highlighting a disproportionate focus on African nations.

According to a statement released by the Chadian government spokesperson, “The ICC’s track record remains troubling, with nine out of thirteen active investigations targeting African states, while only four have been opened in other regions without tangible progress.” The statement also emphasized that, as of now, the court holds only seven detainees, six of whom are linked to African cases.

US calls for reconsideration

Chad’s decision follows direct pressure from the United States, which urged N’Djamena to reassess its membership in the ICC. In a telephone discussion between the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Chad’s foreign minister, Washington expressed concerns about the court’s functionality and advocated a review of Chad’s adherence to the Rome Statute.

“This withdrawal is not a response to American demands,” clarified Chadian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul in an interview. However, the timing of the announcement raises questions about the interplay between international diplomacy and domestic legal decisions.

Legal controversies and regional tensions

Chad’s move coincides with allegations that it has facilitated arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are engaged in a brutal civil war against Sudan’s military. The international community has repeatedly accused both sides of war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

French lawyer Vincent Brengarth, representing several NGOs, condemned the withdrawal, stating, “This decision undermines ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators of international crimes accountable, including our 2025 submission alleging complicity in arms trafficking linked to the RSF.”

Brengarth warned that Chad’s exit weakens the global justice system and risks allowing perpetrators of grave crimes to evade prosecution. Notably, Venezuela also announced its withdrawal from the ICC on the same day, citing a perceived bias against countries in the Global South.