In a landmark move, The Gambia has nominated Mr. Abubacarr M. Tambadou as its candidate for the 2026 International Court of Justice (ICJ) election, the United Nations’ highest judicial body. The announcement, made through a National Group established under Article 4 of the ICJ Statute, marks the first time the tiny West African nation has proposed a candidate for the prestigious court since its inception in 1945.
Tambadou brings a wealth of experience to his candidacy. From 2017 to 2020, he served as The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, earning recognition for his commitment to justice and human rights. Since July 2020, he has held the role of Registrar at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), a position that also designates him as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.
His career in international law spans decades, including a notable tenure as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) from 2003 to 2017. There, Tambadou played a key role in prosecuting high-profile figures for genocide and crimes against humanity. Among his significant cases were the conviction of former Rwandan Army Chief of Staff General Augustin Bizimungu and the successful defense of Colonel Theoneste Bagosora’s genocide conviction on appeal.
The Gambia, long a vocal supporter of international law and human rights, sees Tambadou’s nomination as a historic opportunity. No Gambian has ever served on the ICJ, and his potential election would be a groundbreaking achievement for the nation. The government has rallied behind Tambadou, calling his candidacy a point of national pride and a chance to amplify The Gambia’s voice on the global stage.
In a statement, the government expressed unwavering confidence in Tambadou’s qualifications, urging Gambians to unite to support his bid. “His election would not only be a milestone for our country but also a step forward for the ICJ’s mission to promote peace and justice worldwide,” the statement read.
The 2026 ICJ election, set to determine the court’s 15-judge bench composition, will be closely watched as The Gambia seeks to make history with Tambadou’s candidacy.
