Chad Initiates Withdrawal from International Criminal Court

Chad announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, that it has initiated the process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, becoming the fifth country in recent months to do so. The military government in the northern African nation cited the court's "limited and uneven" effectiveness and a perceived focus on prosecuting African nations as the primary reasons for its decision.

In an official statement, the Chadian government noted that since the ICC's establishment in 2002, it has opened 13 investigations, nine of which concern African states. The statement argued that the four investigations opened in other regions have seen "no concrete progress." The government also pointed out that of the seven individuals currently in ICC custody, six are being prosecuted in cases related to Africa.

The announcement follows a series of similar withdrawals. In September, the Sahelian nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which also have military governments, jointly announced their departure, accusing the court of "selective justice." Venezuela announced its withdrawal on Friday, July 24, also citing perceived bias. The ICC is currently investigating alleged crimes against humanity...