By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: The recent election for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded with Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud securing a seat, while Abubacarr Marie Tambadou, The Gambia’s nominee, was not elected. This outcome marks a significant moment for The Gambia in its quest for representation in global legal institutions, particularly given Tambadou’s notable legal career and his efforts in international justice.
Who is Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud?
Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud is a Jordanian diplomat and legal scholar with extensive experience in international law and diplomacy. Since 2021, he has served as Jordan’s Ambassador to the United Nations and has held several key positions, including Legal Adviser and Director of the Legal Department in Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His career includes a role as Deputy Permanent Representative at Jordan’s UN Mission during the country’s tenure on the UN Security Council (2014–2015), where he managed Security Council affairs.
Hmoud has been a member of the UN International Law Commission since 2007, contributing to the development and codification of international law. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International and Comparative Law from George Washington University and has published extensively on legal and foreign policy matters. His election to the ICJ followed a parallel voting process in the UN General Assembly and Security Council, where he received overwhelming support.
Fatoumatta: Abubacarr Marie Tambadou is a Gambian lawyer and former Attorney General who was The Gambia’s nominee for the ICJ seat. His candidacy was initially endorsed by the Gambian government and supported by the United Democratic Party (UDP), reflecting broad political backing. Tambadou served as Minister of Justice from 2017 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in transitional justice efforts following the fall of Yahya Jammeh’s regime. He gained international recognition for leading The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar at the ICJ, advocating for the protection of the Rohingya people.
However, his nomination for the ICJ seat was later rescinded by the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice amid allegations related to the sale of former President Jammeh’s assets during his tenure as Attorney General. These allegations raised concerns about financial mismanagement and transparency, leading to political divisions over his suitability for the ICJ role.
Fatoumatta: Tambadou’s failure to secure the ICJ seat is a setback for The Gambia’s aspirations for international legal representation, but it also reflects the complexities of his political and legal legacy. His nomination initially signaled The Gambia’s growing influence in global justice; however, the controversy surrounding his tenure may have impacted his candidacy. On the other hand, Hmoud’s election reinforces Jordan’s strong presence in international legal institutions, given his extensive contributions to international law. His expertise in diplomatic negotiations and legal frameworks will likely shape his role at the ICJ, particularly in cases involving sovereignty disputes, human rights, and international treaties.
Despite the recent setback, The Gambia’s role in international legal affairs remains significant and The Gambia may explore future opportunities to position its legal experts within global institutions. This election also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in international nominations. As The Gambia works through its post-Jammeh governance reforms, ensuring that only credible and uncontroversial candidates are put forward for global positions will be crucial in strengthening its international reputation.
While this election represents a setback for The Gambia’s efforts to secure a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it also highlights the country’s increasing influence in global legal affairs. Tambadou’s nomination, despite the challenges, demonstrated The Gambia’s commitment to engaging in international justice, particularly following his leadership in the Rohingya genocide case. Going forward, The Gambia must prioritize greater transparency, credibility, and political unity in its future nominations for global leadership. Controversies surrounding candidates can undermine confidence and affect international support. A more organized approach that emphasizes expertise, integrity, and broad national consensus could enhance The Gambia’s standing within international institutions.
Fatoumatta: Regardless of the outcome, The Gambia’s commitment to justice and governance reform remains strong. The nomination itself was a significant achievement, and there will be future opportunities for Gambian legal experts to occupy prominent global roles. The focus now should be on learning from this experience, reinforcing trust in leadership selection, and continuing to advocate for fairness and accountability on the international stage.
