YAOUNDE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chad on Monday announced its plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based tribunal of being "limited and inconsistent" and guilty of "undeniable selectivity."

In a statement, the Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has formally notified the United Nations secretary-general of its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute.

The ministry, citing official data as of May 11, said the court focuses disproportionately on Africa. Of the 13 investigations the ICC has opened, nine involve African countries and of the seven people currently in ICC custody, six are linked to African cases, the statement said.

Along with announcing the withdrawal, Chad called on the African Union and its members to strengthen domestic legal institutions, urging "a more equitable, balanced, credible and effective continental justice system" that also safeguards African sovereignty.

Stressing that leaving the court does not mean abandoning accountability, the statement said Chad remains committed to prosecuting war crimes and other serious offenses, and expresses confidence that the country's own courts and regional African bodies can ensure justice for victims. ■