American sanctions against ICC authorities: Dakar shows its solidarity with Abdoulaye Seye
The Government of Senegal expressed its “deep concern” on Thursday after the announcement, on August 18, of new American sanctions targeting officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including the Senegalese Abdoulaye Seye, member of the Office of the Prosecutor of the Court and candidate presented by Senegal for the election to the post of judge at the said jurisdiction.
In a press release published by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, the Senegalese Government reaffirmed its attachment to the ICC, which it considers “an essential pillar in the fight against impunity” and a fundamental instrument in the service of international criminal justice.
Senegal recalls having been the first State to ratify the Rome Statute and presents itself as a fervent defender of the International Criminal Court.
According to the Senegalese authorities, any measure likely to hinder the independence, security or exercise of the functions of magistrates and staff of the ICC is likely to weaken “the integrity and proper functioning of international criminal justice”.
The Senegalese Government thus expressed its “full solidarity” with Abdoulaye Seye as well as other ICC officials and staff targeted by these measures.
He considers that the exercise, in complete independence, of judicial functions within an international jurisdiction “cannot give rise to pressures or measures likely to affect the fulfillment of the mandate” entrusted to the Court.
Senegal has also reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and the independence of international justice.
Dakar indicates that it will continue its consultations with its African and international partners in order to preserve the integrity, independence and effective functioning of the ICC.
The Senegalese Government finally calls for favoring “dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation”, in the interest of peace, justice and the preservation of the international legal order.
Salla GUEYE
