By Basant El-Faramawy
British lawyer Dapo Akande has been elected to the International Court of Justice, marking a significant diplomatic victory for the United Kingdom nearly a decade after the previous British judge failed to win re‑election.
Background and qualifications
Akande, a professor of public international law and fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, will serve a nine‑year term as one of the court’s 15 judges. He originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria and is an elected member of the UN International Law Commission, with extensive experience as counsel, adviser and expert before international tribunals including the ICJ.
Akande’s statement
“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the international court of justice,” Akande said. “I am incredibly grateful to all the states that have put their faith in me. I pledge to serve with independence and to deciding cases on the basis of a faithful and impartial application of the law. I look forward to contributing to the ICJ’s vital work in helping to resolve disputes by peaceful means, alongside the other colleagues elected today.”
Previous British absence
The election ends a gap that began in 2017 when Sir Christopher Greenwood unexpectedly lost his seat to an Indian rival, leaving the court without a British judge for the first time. The ICJ, often described as the UN’s top court, adjudicates disputes between states and has recently drawn global attention for its opinions on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power in Gaza and the legal status of the Chagos Islands.
UK government support
Lord Chancellor Alex Norris campaigned strongly for Akande, citing his independence, legal rigour and breadth of perspective. Norris said the UK has been a steadfast supporter of the court, having accepted its compulsory jurisdiction, and urged other states to do the same.
