N'DJAMENA — Chad has formally notified the United Nations of its intention to withdraw from the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court, opening a process that will take at least a year to complete.

The Chadian government said the decision followed an assessment of the court’s performance, arguing that its effectiveness has been limited and that its activities have shown what officials described as “undeniable selectivity” involving African countries.

Chad says leaving the ICC does not mean abandoning accountability for serious crimes. Its government has called instead for stronger domestic judicial institutions and greater reliance on African legal mechanisms to address war crimes and other major offenses.

The move places Chad alongside several African states that have initiated withdrawal processes from the ICC, adding to a wider debate over the court’s role on the continent.

The announcement also carries wider diplomatic significance as international discussions continue over the future of the ICC and its relationship with African governments.

Chad’s decision is now set to remain an important political and diplomatic issue as N’Djamena moves through the formal withdrawal process and debates the future of international criminal justice.