Chad has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of disproportionately targeting African countries..reports Africa Daily News Desk
Chad has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based tribunal of inconsistency and disproportionately targeting African countries.
The Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had formally notified United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
In a statement, the ministry described the court as “limited and inconsistent” and accused it of “undeniable selectivity” in the cases it pursues.
Citing official data as of May 11, the ministry said nine of the 13 investigations opened by the ICC involve African countries. It also noted that six of the seven people currently in ICC custody are linked to African cases.
Chad urged the African Union and its member states to strengthen domestic judicial institutions and work towards “a more equitable, balanced, credible and effective continental justice system” while safeguarding African sovereignty.
The government said its withdrawal from the ICC should not be interpreted as a rejection of accountability. It reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting war crimes and other serious offences, expressing confidence that Chad’s national courts and regional African institutions can deliver justice for victims.
The announcement comes days after Venezuela also declared its intention to leave the ICC, alleging that the court has shown “geographical bias” against countries in Latin America and Africa.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia said his government had informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of its “firm and irrevocable” decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute under Article 127.
Plasencia argued that the ICC had focused its work “to the detriment of the Global South” and accused the tribunal of being used to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and self-determination.
According to media reports, the ICC announced in 2021 that it would investigate possible crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Venezuelan government during its crackdown on anti-government protests in 2017. Venezuela’s National Assembly voted in December 2025 to withdraw from its obligations under the Rome Statute.
Plasencia reiterated Venezuela’s support for what he described as a fairer international justice system that respects national sovereignty and the right of peoples to determine their own future.
