By Omar Bah
Abubakar Marie Tambadou, a former Justice Minister and distinguished lawyer, has been nominated by The Gambia for a position at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Tambadou is well-known for his pivotal role in bringing Myanmar to the ICJ over allegations of genocide against the Rohingya minority. As Gambia’s Minister of Justice from 2017 to 2020, he demonstrated exceptional moral and legal leadership. He earned international recognition, including a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 and being named among Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
With over two decades of experience in international criminal justice, Tambadou has held various roles, including at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and as the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. His nomination reflects The Gambia’s commitment to advancing global justice and leveraging its legal expertise on the world stage.
In a nomination letter from The Standard, the Gambia Government strongly supported Tambadou’s candidacy for a judgeship at the ICJ in 2026. This is a historic moment, as he would be the first-ever candidate from The Gambia since the ICJ’s inception in 1945. The government noted, “While the Gambia has made significant contributions to the development of international law and has become a leading voice for human rights worldwide, it has never presented a candidate, nor has a Gambian ever served as a Judge of this beacon of justice since its inception in 1945.”
The upcoming 2026 elections present The Gambia with a unique opportunity to nominate a candidate for the first time in its history. The government is pleased to announce its full support for Abubacarr M. Tambadou’s candidacy for election as a judge of the International Court of Justice in 2026.
Tambadou’s significant background in international law, particularly his leadership of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, emphasizes his capability and commitment to global justice.
The Gambia government believes his election would mark a monumental milestone for the nation, highlighting its dedication to upholding international law and human rights.
