# Chad withdraws from ICC > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chad-exits-international-criminal-court > Updated: 2026-08-07T20:27:50.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 3. On 27 July 2026, Chad formally notified the United Nations of its intention to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The withdrawal will become effective one year after notification, though Chad remains bound by its obligations during that interim period. Chadian officials argued that the ICC is ineffective and disproportionately targets African states. Specifically, the government noted that out of seven suspects in ICC custody, six are linked to African cases. This decision follows similar announced exits or intentions to leave by Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Venezuela. The United States has welcomed these moves, continuing a campaign to limit the Court's power, including regarding investigations in Afghanistan and the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties has urged both Chad and Venezuela to reverse their decisions, expressing concern that these departures weaken global efforts to combat impunity. While the Chadian foreign minister has denied acting at the request of the United States, the wave of exits continues to fuel debate over the legitimacy and political support required for international criminal justice to operate in conflict-affected regions. ## Claims - The Assembly of States Parties expressed concern regarding the withdrawal decisions of Chad and Venezuela. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Chad announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC on July 27. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Venezuela announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC on July 25. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Chad accused the ICC of geographic bias, noting that six of the seven suspects in ICC custody are linked to African cases. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Venezuela accused the ICC of geographic bias against Africa and Latin America. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The U.S. administration has campaigned to reduce the power of the ICC. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Under the Rome Statute, a withdrawal from the ICC takes one year to formally register. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Existing ICC investigations, such as the one in Venezuela, continue even if a country withdraws. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: International Criminal Court urges Chad and Venezuela to reverse withdrawal The ICC's governing body is urging Chad and Venezuela to reverse their decisions to withdraw, warning that the departures risk undermining global justice and the fight against impunity. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-criminal-court-faces-withdrawals-by-chad-and-venezuela ### 2026-07-30: Chad Announces Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court Chad notified the UN of its plan to leave the ICC, citing ineffectiveness and bias; the US praised the decision, and the withdrawal will take effect after one year. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chad-announces-withdrawal-from-the-international-criminal-court ### 2026-07-27: Chad withdraws from International Criminal Court amid US pressure Chad notified the UN on 27 July 2026 of its withdrawal from the ICC, citing limited effectiveness and African bias, with the process taking at least a year. The decision follows other African exits and U.S.‑led 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chad-withdraws-from-international-criminal-court-over-effectiveness-concerns --- Cite as: Chad withdraws from ICC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chad-exits-international-criminal-court