Chad withdraws from international criminal court amid justice concerns
N’Djamena cites the court’s ‘limited and inconsistent’ effectiveness after US pressure for reconsideration.
The Chadian government announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing a ‘limited and inconsistent’ effectiveness in its operations, as outlined in a statement released by the government spokesperson.
In the announcement, officials emphasized that this decision followed a thorough review of the ICC’s performance since its establishment in 2002. They highlighted a concerning imbalance, noting that out of the thirteen investigations initiated by the Court over the years, nine have targeted African nations, while only four have addressed situations outside the continent without tangible progress.
The spokesperson pointed out that as of now, the ICC holds only seven detainees, six of whom are involved in African-related cases. This disparity, they argued, undermines the Court’s credibility and fairness.
US pressure plays a role
According to a statement released by Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision was influenced by recent discussions with US officials. During a phone call with Chad’s top diplomat, a senior US State Department official urged the government to reconsider its membership in the ICC.
The US representative expressed concerns regarding the Court’s operations and advocated for Chad to reassess its commitment to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. However, Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, clarified that the withdrawal was not solely a response to US pressure.
Chad faces scrutiny over Sudan conflict involvement
Chad’s withdrawal comes at a time when it is under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating arms transfers from the United Arab Emirates to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are engaged in a brutal civil war against the Sudanese military since April 2023. Both warring factions have faced accusations of committing war crimes, including attacks on civilians and indiscriminate bombings.
French lawyer Vincent Brengarth, representing several NGOs, expressed concern that Chad’s decision could hinder ongoing justice initiatives, including a 2025 complaint filed on behalf of NGOs regarding alleged international crimes linked to arms trafficking to the RSF from the UAE.
‘Beyond this specific case, this withdrawal weakens the global framework for international justice and increases fears that perpetrators of the most heinous crimes may evade accountability,’ Brengarth warned.
The announcement follows Venezuela’s decision to withdraw from the ICC as well. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Felix Plasencia, cited a ‘clear geographical bias’ that disproportionately targets African and Latin American countries, neglecting other regions.
