ByREUTERS

JULY 27, 2026 15:06

The International Criminal Court must now identify a replacement for Karim Khan following his dismissal, set against US diplomatic efforts to sideline the institution and a growing number of member states departing.

On Monday Chad became the fifth nation to initiate formal exit steps in recent months, after Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

The African country's move came shortly after 82 of the court's 125 members voted to remove Khan over serious misconduct, setting off an election for his successor though specifics remain undecided and a ballot is unlikely before next year.

Following Khan's departure the court stated it will uphold its core duties.

"The ICC stays dedicated to promoting accountability and securing justice for victims of atrocities that outrage global conscience," it said.

While member states outline the process to choose Khan's replacement the prosecutor's office will be led by deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameen Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.

Observers note the difficulty of attracting strong candidates given intensified US diplomatic pressure.

"Who will now seek a role facing such obstacles when they know US sanctions will follow automatically," said Melanie O'Brien, professor of international law at the University of Western Australia.

US sanctions cast shadow over prosecutor selection

Washington seeks to halt ICC arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials regarding Gaza and to end probes involving US personnel. Officials indicated they may urge additional countries to exit the court.

Chad declared its withdrawal on Monday while Venezuela, facing prior ICC inquiries into alleged crimes against humanity, announced its exit process on Friday. Both nations cited perceived bias against non-Western countries.

In early July the court noted that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had begun their withdrawal procedures, which require one year to complete.

The European Union along with major supporters such as the Netherlands and Japan have expressed backing for the court and concern over the US stance yet have not outlined concrete measures to reinforce it.

In coming months the Assembly of States Parties will define the election procedure for a new prosecutor. Commentators have faulted the prior removal process for insufficient openness.

The upcoming vote will serve as a key indicator given past elections faced criticism over political interference and procedural shifts, noted Ezequiel Jimenez Martinez, author of a book on ICC governance.

"The ASP must demonstrate resolve to back the court during this difficult period and select a prosecutor suited to the position," he said.