Maurice Kamga, a Cameroonian diplomat and expert in international law, has been elected as the president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). He was elected on October 1, 2026, in Hamburg, Germany, for a three-year term from 2026 to 2029. Kamga is the first Cameroonian to hold this high judicial position. He succeeds Tomas Heidar of Iceland and will be assisted by Frida María Armas Pfirter of Argentina as vice-president.
Kamga has a rich background in international law and diplomacy. He has been a judge at ITLOS since 2020 and previously served as a jurist at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia from 1997 to 2001. He also worked at ITLOS from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, Kamga served as the registrar at the International Court of Justice from 2008 to 2020. His academic experience includes being a lecturer at the University of Yaoundé II, Soa, from 1993 to 1997.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is a critical institution that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea. It is based in Hamburg, Germany, and plays a vital role in the implementation and interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. As president, Kamga will lead the tribunal and make significant decisions on maritime disputes.
Kamga's expertise in international law, particularly in the law of the sea, is well-recognized. He is a published author and has written several articles and books on international law. He was also the ninth recipient of the prestigious Hamilton S. Amerasinghe Award, a United Nations scholarship offered annually to a single candidate worldwide.
As a leading expert in his field, Kamga has taught at several African and European universities. His election as president of ITLOS is seen as a significant achievement for Cameroon and the African continent. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in leading the tribunal and addressing complex maritime disputes.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has jurisdiction over a wide range of maritime disputes, including those related to territorial sea boundaries, navigation, and marine environmental protection. With Kamga at the helm, the tribunal is expected to continue its critical work in promoting the rule of law and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
Kamga's presidency of ITLOS is a notable milestone in his distinguished career. His leadership and expertise will contribute to the continued development of the law of the sea and the tribunal's role in promoting international cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes. His term as president will be closely watched by the international community.
Key points
- - Maurice Kamga, a Cameroonian diplomat and international law expert, has been elected president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for a three-year term. - Kamga has a rich background in international law and diplomacy, having served in various roles, including as a judge at ITLOS and registrar at the International Court of Justice. - As president, Kamga will lead the tribunal in addressing complex maritime disputes and promoting the rule of law in the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
