In a surprising turn of events, Sierra Leone has withdrawn its candidate, Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh, from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) race, paving the way for Kenya's Professor Phoebe Okowa to secure the seat. According to reports, Okowa was elected on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, following further rounds of voting by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. The election process had been ongoing after the two bodies failed to agree on the fifth available seat during the initial ballot.
The initial round of voting saw four candidates secure the required majority in both UN bodies: Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, and Rena Lee of Singapore. However, the fifth position remained undecided after the General Assembly and Security Council produced different results for Okowa and Jalloh, requiring additional ballots. This led to a series of negotiations and discussions among the UN member states.
Sierra Leone subsequently announced its decision to withdraw Jalloh's candidature and support Okowa, citing the need to consolidate African support and protect the continent's representation on the court. This move was seen as a strategic decision to ensure a unified African presence on the ICJ. Okowa's election means she will serve a full nine-year term beginning on 6 February 2027, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In the final voting, Okowa secured eight votes in the Security Council and 106 in the General Assembly, while Jalloh received seven votes in the Security Council and 79 in the General Assembly. Okowa's victory was met with congratulations from her supporters, who had been campaigning for her election. Her win is seen as a significant achievement for Kenya and the African continent.
Professor Charles Jalloh, a Sierra Leonean professor of international law, had received the backing of ECOWAS leaders and 13 national groups during his campaign. His bid had attracted considerable attention in Sierra Leone, where his election would have marked the country's return to the ICJ bench following the departure of former Judge Abdul Koroma in 2012. Despite his strong support, Jalloh was ultimately unable to secure the necessary votes.
The ICJ is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international law. The court's composition is crucial in ensuring that it represents the diversity of the international community. Okowa's election brings a new perspective to the court, and her experience in international law is expected to contribute to the court's work.
The withdrawal of Jalloh's candidature and Okowa's subsequent election highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of international diplomacy. The process of electing judges to the ICJ involves a delicate balance of interests and negotiations among UN member states. As the international community continues to evolve, the ICJ remains a critical institution in promoting peace, justice, and the rule of law.
Key points
- Sierra Leone withdrew Professor Charles Jalloh from the ICJ race, supporting Kenya's Professor Phoebe Okowa, who won the seat with 106 votes in the General Assembly and 8 votes in the Security Council.
- Okowa will serve a nine-year term on the ICJ, starting on 6 February 2027.
- The election process involved multiple rounds of voting, with Okowa ultimately securing the necessary majority to claim the seat.
