Fatou Bom Bensouda

Fatou Bensouda’s journey from a young student sneaking into Gambian Courtrooms to an international symbol of justice is both inspiring and controversial. After qualifying as a barrister in 1987, she swiftly rose to serve as legal adviser to President Yahya Jammeh in 1996. However, her tenure was cut short in 2000, amid criticisms accusing her of turning a blind eye to Jammeh's human rights abuses—an early blemish on her career.  

Undeterred, Bensouda’s breakthrough came in 2004 as Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and in 2012, ascending to Chief Prosecutor. One of her most notable actions came in 2017, advocating for charges related to human rights abuses in Afghanistan, including alleged torture by U.S. forces and crimes by the Taliban. Despite the U.S. arguing against the ICC’s jurisdiction, given their non-ratification of the Rome Statute, Bensouda’s stance was clear: that the ICC could prosecute crimes committed on the soil of ratifying states.

It is not without doubt that her bold stance had consequences. In 2019, the U.S. revoked her visa and in 2020, President Trump imposed sanctions on her and ICC staff, a move many saw as retaliation for investigating potential U.S. war crimes. 

Similarly while serving as the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, In South Africa, she was nicknamed "the traitor" for her refusal to show favouritism, and she responded by reaffirming her commitment to impartiality, promising to serve "without fear or favour."

Despite these challenges, she is still dedicated. As Chairperson of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, she continues to pursue justice. Even amid criticism she stood still, after all, even the sun has its spots, but that doesn’t dim its brilliance. 

~Maryam Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Chief Editor 24/25 Committee