International Criminal Court: Senegal's reaction to US sanctions

The Government of Senegal has just reacted to the new sanctions announced by the United States of America against certain officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Among them is Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese national, member of the Office of the Prosecutor of the Court and Senegal's nominee for election to the position of judge at the ICC.

Recalling that it was the first State to ratify the Rome Statute and remains a staunch supporter of the Court, the State of Senegal stated that "any measure likely to hinder the independence, security or the exercise of the functions of the judges and staff of the ICC is likely to undermine the integrity and proper functioning of international criminal justice."

In his press release published this Thursday by the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, he stressed that the International Criminal Court is today an essential pillar in the fight against impunity and a fundamental instrument in the service of international criminal justice.

The Senegalese government also expressed its full solidarity with our compatriot Abdoulaye Seye, as well as with the other officials and staff of the Court targeted by these measures. It reaffirms that "the independent exercise of judicial functions within an international court cannot give rise to pressure or measures likely to affect the fulfillment of its mandate."

The State of Senegal also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and the independence of international justice. The Senegalese authorities intend to continue consultations with their African and international partners with a view to preserving the integrity, independence, and effective functioning of the International Criminal Court.