Senegal condemns US sanctions against ICC officials

The Senegalese government has expressed “deep concern” regarding new United States sanctions targeting officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The measures, announced on August 18, include freezing financial assets and imposing travel bans on 13 high-ranking ICC officials.

Among those targeted is Abdoulaye Seye, a Senegalese member of the Office of the Prosecutor and a candidate for a judgeship at the court. Senegal, which was the first state to ratify the Rome Statute, reaffirmed its support for the ICC, describing it as an “essential pillar in the fight against impunity.”

Dakar stated that any actions hindering the independence or security of ICC personnel risk weakening the integrity of international criminal justice. The Senegalese government expressed “full solidarity” with Seye and other targeted officials, emphasizing that judicial functions should not be subject to political pressure.