The government of Chad announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing concerns over the court’s “limited and uneven effectiveness” in its Monday statement.

“This decision follows a thorough review of the ICC’s operations since its establishment in 2002, particularly its inconsistent outcomes,” the Chadian government stated, criticizing what it describes as a disproportionate focus on African nations.

Of the 13 investigations launched by the ICC since its inception, nine have targeted African states, compared to just four in other regions, with little tangible progress, the statement highlighted.

“As of now, the court holds only seven detainees, six of whom are facing charges in African-related cases,” the spokesperson emphasized.

U.S. pressure behind the move

A Thursday communiqué from the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the decision was influenced by a request from the United States.

The U.S. Under Secretary of State for African Affairs had urged Chad to reconsider its ICC membership during a phone call with the country’s top diplomat the previous day.

“The American side expressed concerns about the court’s operations and called for a reassessment of Chad’s adherence to the Rome Statute,” the statement noted.

Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, however, clarified on Friday that the withdrawal was not solely a response to U.S. pressure.

Chad under scrutiny for alleged arms trafficking

The announcement comes as Chad faces accusations from Sudanese military officials and human rights organizations of facilitating arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These paramilitary groups have been engaged in a brutal civil war against Sudan’s army since April 2023.

French lawyer Vincent Brengarth, representing several NGOs, warned that Chad’s withdrawal could undermine ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, including a 2025 complaint filed on behalf of NGOs regarding alleged international crimes linked to arms trafficking.

Both factions in the Sudanese conflict have faced repeated accusations of war crimes, including deliberate attacks on civilians and indiscriminate bombings of populated areas.

“Beyond this specific case, Chad’s withdrawal weakens the global justice system and raises fears that perpetrators of grave crimes may evade accountability,” Brengarth concluded.

This move follows Venezuela’s own announcement to exit the ICC on Friday, with its foreign minister citing a geographical bias that disproportionately targets African and Latin American nations.