The government, in a statement regarding the nomination, emphasised The Gambia’s notable contributions to international law and human rights advocacy, pointing out that no Gambian has held a position as a judge on the ICJ since its inception in 1945.
“Although The Gambia has significantly advanced international law and emerged as a prominent advocate for human rights globally, it has yet to present a candidate, nor has a Gambian ever held the position of Judge at this esteemed institution since its establishment in 1945.” The upcoming elections in 2026 offer The Gambia a unique chance to nominate a candidate for the first time in our history. The government is proud to express its complete support for Mr. Abubacarr M. Tambadou’s candidature for the position of Judge at the International Court of Justice in 2026′, the statement read.
Mr. Tambadou held the position of Attorney General and Minister of Justice in The Gambia from 2017 to 2020. He serves as the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) at the United Nations, holding the rank of Assistant Secretary-General. He took on this role in July 2020 after being appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
From 2003 to 2017, Tambadou served as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), where he successfully prosecuted prominent individuals for genocide and crimes against humanity. Among his significant cases are the prosecution of General Augustin Bizimungu, who served as the former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Army, and the defence of Colonel Théoneste Bagosora’s conviction on appeal—Bagosora is often viewed as the architect of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
If elected, Tambadou would make history as the first Gambian judge to serve on the ICJ.
