The Government of Chad has officially announced its withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a statement released on July 27, 2026, N’Djamena cited the court’s « undeniable selectivity » as the primary reason, alleging that its focus disproportionately targets African nations.
On the same day, Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General—acting as the depository of the Rome Statute—of its sovereign decision to withdraw, in accordance with Article 127 of the treaty.
The ministry explained that this move followed a « thorough review of the ICC’s operations since its establishment in 2002 », concluding that the court’s performance has fallen short of expectations. It emphasized that the ICC’s approach has been « inconsistent and limited » in delivering justice globally.
To support its stance, the Chadian government referenced ICC statistics updated as of May 11, 2026. The data reveals that out of 125 State Parties to the Rome Statute, 33 are African nations. Since its inception, the court has initiated 13 investigations, with the majority centered on African countries.
The statement highlights that by May 2026, « 9 of the 13 active investigations pertain to African nations, compared to just 4 in other regions with minimal progress ». Additionally, it notes that of the seven individuals detained by the ICC, « six face charges related to African situations, while only one is linked to a case outside the continent ».
Chadian authorities argue that these figures reinforce the widely held perception of the ICC’s « enduring focus on the Global South, particularly Africa », and accuse the court of « political instrumentalization ». In response, the government is urging the African Union and its member states to bolster continental judicial mechanisms, aiming for « a more equitable, balanced, credible, and effective African justice system » that respects national sovereignty.
Despite its withdrawal, Chad reaffirms its commitment to combating impunity for severe crimes, asserting that African judicial systems and national courts now possess the growing capacity to handle such cases independently.
