The Government of Chad has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing its uneven effectiveness and selective focus in a Monday statement from the presidential spokesperson.

« This decision follows a thorough review of the ICC’s operations since its establishment in 2002, particularly its disproportionate concentration on African cases with limited tangible outcomes, » the statement read. Of the 13 investigations launched by the court since its inception, nine have targeted African nations, while only four have addressed situations outside the continent—yet without significant progress.

The spokesperson further highlighted that, as of the same date, the ICC held only seven detainees, six of whom were facing charges in African-related cases.

U.S. pressure fuels the decision

According to a Thursday statement from Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Washington had urged N’Djamena to reconsider its ICC membership during a recent diplomatic exchange. The U.S. delegation expressed concerns over the court’s functioning and pushed for a reassessment of Chad’s adherence to the Rome Statute.

Despite this external influence, Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, clarified that the withdrawal was not a response to American demands. « This is a sovereign decision made in Chad’s best interests, » he stated.

Under scrutiny for alleged arms trafficking

The move comes as Chad faces accusations from Sudan’s military and multiple NGOs of facilitating arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in Sudan’s brutal civil war since April 2023. These allegations were the subject of a 2025 complaint filed by NGOs, accusing Chad of complicity in international crimes.

« Chad’s withdrawal undermines ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, » warned French human rights lawyer Vincent Brengarth. « It sends a dangerous signal that those responsible for the gravest crimes may evade justice. »

Sudan’s warring factions have repeatedly been accused by the international community of systematic attacks on civilians and indiscriminate bombings in populated areas.

Chad’s exit follows Venezuela’s similar announcement, with its Foreign Minister citing a « clear geographic bias » that disproportionately targeted African and Latin American countries while neglecting justice in other regions.