Chad has formally announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing concerns over the court’s limited and inconsistent effectiveness in delivering justice. The decision was disclosed in a government statement issued on Monday.

The Chadian administration highlighted that since its establishment in 2002, the ICC has demonstrated a disproportionate focus on African nations, with nine of its thirteen active investigations targeting countries on the continent. In contrast, only four cases have been opened elsewhere, with little tangible progress in resolving them.

The government also pointed out that, as of now, the ICC holds only seven detainees, six of whom are facing charges related to situations in Africa. This imbalance, they argue, underscores the court’s uneven application of justice.

US calls for reconsideration

The decision comes shortly after the United States urged Chad to reconsider its membership in the ICC. During a phone call between the Chadian foreign minister and a senior US State Department official, Washington expressed concerns about the court’s operations and encouraged a reassessment of Chad’s commitment to the Rome Statute.

However, Chad’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, clarified that the withdrawal was not a direct response to US pressure. “This is not a decision made at the request of the Americans,” he stated in an interview.

Sudan conflict scrutiny

Chad’s move coincides with ongoing allegations that it has facilitated the transfer of weapons from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. These paramilitary groups have been engaged in a brutal civil war against the Sudanese army since April 2023.

Vincent Brengarth, a French lawyer representing several NGOs, expressed concern that Chad’s withdrawal could undermine international justice efforts. “This decision jeopardizes multiple ongoing initiatives, including a 2025 complaint filed by NGOs regarding alleged complicity in international crimes linked to arms transfers to the RSF,” he noted.

Both warring factions in Sudan have faced widespread accusations of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and populated areas.

Brengarth warned that Chad’s exit further weakens the global justice system and raises fears that perpetrators of grave crimes may evade accountability. “Beyond this specific case, this withdrawal weakens the international framework for penal justice and fuels concerns that those responsible for the most serious crimes will escape prosecution,” he concluded.

Chad’s announcement follows Venezuela’s similar decision to leave the ICC, with its foreign minister citing a geographical bias that disproportionately targets African and Latin American countries at the expense of the Global South.