Nigerian-British legal scholar Dapo Akande has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), securing a nine-year tenure on the United Nations' highest judicial body. Akande, a professor of public international law, will join the 15-member court responsible for resolving legal disputes between sovereign states and issuing advisory opinions on matters of international law. His election marks a significant development in his distinguished international legal career.
Akande's emergence also marks Britain's return to the ICJ bench after nearly nine years without representation. The United Kingdom's previous nominee, Christopher Greenwood, was defeated in the 2017 re-election process. Akande is the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and a fellow of All Souls College. He is also a practising barrister at Essex Court Chambers and serves as a member of the United Nations International Law Commission.
Akande is widely recognised for his expertise in international law, having provided legal advice to several governments and international institutions. His experience spans litigation and advisory roles before major international judicial institutions, including the ICJ, International Criminal Court, and European Court of Human Rights. Akande expressed gratitude to the countries that supported his candidacy, pledging to discharge his responsibilities with independence and impartiality.
Reacting to his election, Akande said he is deeply honoured to be elected to the ICJ. He pledged to serve with independence and to decide cases based on a faithful and impartial application of the law. Akande looks forward to contributing to the ICJ's vital work in helping to resolve disputes by peaceful means, alongside other colleagues elected.
The election comes at a period of heightened international scrutiny of the ICJ, particularly over its proceedings and advisory opinions concerning Israel's obligations under international law. Britain's Lord Chancellor, Alex Norris, had actively backed Akande's candidacy, describing him as a highly qualified candidate capable of strengthening the court's work.
Norris reiterated the United Kingdom's commitment to the ICJ, pointing out that Britain had accepted the court's compulsory jurisdiction. He urged other countries that had yet to recognise the court's compulsory jurisdiction to consider doing so in accordance with its statute. Akande's election represents a significant development in his distinguished international legal career.
Akande's election restores Britain's presence on the court, which plays a central role in the peaceful resolution of disputes between nations. His expertise and experience will make a formidable contribution to the ICJ's work, particularly at a moment when international law is under pressure.
Key points
- Dapo Akande elected to International Court of Justice
- Akande's election marks Britain's return to ICJ bench
- Akande pledges to serve with independence and impartiality
