The Chadian government announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing its “limited and inconsistent” effectiveness. The decision, disclosed through a government spokesperson’s statement on Monday, reflects a thorough review of the court’s operations since its establishment in 2002.

“This withdrawal marks the culmination of an exhaustive assessment of the ICC’s functioning and its track record, which continues to demonstrate restricted and uneven effectiveness,” the government stated. It highlighted concerns over the court’s disproportionate focus on African nations, noting that out of the thirteen investigations launched since its inception, nine targeted African states, while only four were opened elsewhere—without tangible progress.

“As of now, the ICC holds only seven detainees, six of whom face charges in African-related cases,” the spokesperson emphasized. This imbalance, they argued, undermines the court’s credibility and global legitimacy.

US pressure on Chad

According to a statement released by Chad’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday, the decision was influenced by a request from the United States. During a phone call, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs urged Chad to reconsider its ICC membership.

“The American side expressed concerns about the court’s operations and requested Chad to reassess its adherence to the Rome Statute,” the statement noted. However, Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, clarified that the withdrawal was not solely a response to US pressure, asserting this stance in an interview on Friday.

Sudan conflict complicates Chad’s stance

Chad’s withdrawal comes at a critical juncture, as it faces allegations from Sudan’s military and several NGOs of facilitating arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These paramilitary groups have been engaged in a brutal civil war against Sudan’s army since April 2023.

“This move jeopardizes ongoing efforts, including a complaint filed in 2025 by NGOs alleging international crimes, such as arms trafficking from the UAE to the RSF,” commented French lawyer Vincent Brengarth. Both warring factions in Sudan have been widely accused of committing war crimes, including deliberate attacks on civilians and indiscriminate bombings of populated areas.

“Beyond this specific case, Chad’s withdrawal weakens the global framework for international justice and raises concerns that perpetrators of the most serious crimes may evade accountability,” Brengarth concluded. On Friday, Venezuela also announced its exit from the ICC, citing a “clear geographical bias” that disproportionately targeted African and Latin American nations at the expense of the Global South.