Yaounde, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Chad has announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based tribunal of being inconsistent in its functioning and disproportionately targeting African countries.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
The ministry argued that the court has demonstrated “undeniable selectivity” in the cases it pursues. Citing official figures as of May 11, it said nine of the 13 investigations opened by the ICC involve African countries, while six of the seven individuals currently in the court’s custody are linked to African cases.
Along with announcing its withdrawal, Chad urged the African Union and its member states to strengthen domestic judicial institutions and work towards establishing “a more equitable, balanced, credible and effective continental justice system” that also safeguards the sovereignty of African nations.
The Chadian government stressed that exiting the ICC does not signify a retreat from accountability. It said the country remains committed to prosecuting war crimes and other serious offences through its national courts and regional African judicial mechanisms, expressing confidence that these institutions can deliver justice to victims.
The announcement comes days after Venezuela also declared its intention to withdraw from the ICC.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia said his country had informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres of its “firm and irrevocable” decision to denounce the Rome Statute under Article 127. He alleged that the court had displayed geographical bias against countries in Latin America and Africa and had been used in a manner that undermined sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
The ICC had announced in 2021 an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Venezuela’s 2017 crackdown on anti-government protests. Venezuela’s National Assembly voted in December 2025 to withdraw from its commitments under the Rome Statute.
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