Abubacarr Marie Tambadou, a prominent lawyer and former minister of justice, has been nominated by The Gambia for a judge’s position at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Tambadou played a crucial role in bringing Myanmar before the ICJ over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya minority.
As Gambia’s justice minister from 2017 to 2020, he gained international recognition for his legal and moral leadership, earning a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2021 and being listed among Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
With over two decades of experience in international criminal justice, Tambadou has held key roles at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. His nomination highlights Gambia’s dedication to international justice and legal expertise.
In its nomination letter, the government emphasized Tambadou’s qualifications and historic significance as the first Gambian candidate for the ICJ since its establishment in 1945. It noted The Gambia’s contributions to international law and human rights advocacy, stating that his candidacy represents a milestone opportunity for the nation.
The government expressed confidence that Tambadou’s legal expertise, particularly in leading the case against Myanmar for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, makes him a strong candidate for the ICJ bench in 2026. His election would mark a significant achievement for The Gambia in its commitment to upholding international law and human rights.
