Gambia: Mofa Rallies Diplomatic Corps Behind Gambia's ICC Bid

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a report from The Point in Banjul, reported that The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad held a briefing on 21 July 2026 to build diplomatic support for Justice Veronic Wright’s bid to become a judge of the International Criminal Court. The session took place at the ministry’s conference room in Banjul and brought together members of the diplomatic and consular corps based in the country.

Permanent Secretary Ambassador Lang Yabou chaired the meeting and presented the nomination as part of The Gambia’s commitment to international justice, accountability, human rights and the rule of law. According to the report, he urged representatives of ICC States Parties to support Wright in the upcoming judicial election, arguing that her background positioned her to contribute to the court’s work.

The briefing included an explanation of the ICC election process by Ida Persson of the Ministry of Justice. Mariam Khan-Jallow, the Foreign Ministry’s director of European affairs, outlined Wright’s profile, citing more than 35 years in legal and judicial roles and nearly 18 years of experience in the United Nations system, including work linked to international criminal justice, prosecutions, legal reform and transitional justice.

Justice Wright also addressed the diplomats, setting out a vision for an ICC that is independent, impartial and effective under the Rome Statute. The meeting ended with questions from diplomats on the court, the election and her candidacy. The report framed the event as part of The Gambia’s wider campaign to win votes from States Parties, whose support is necessary in ICC judicial elections.