Senegal defends ICC magistrate Abdoulaye Sèye against U.S. sanctions

The Senegalese government has expressed “full solidarity” with Abdoulaye Sèye, a Senegalese magistrate and member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor, following new sanctions imposed by the United States.

The U.S. sanctions, which include asset freezes and restrictions on financial and real estate transactions, target Sèye and other ICC officials. Washington has criticized the ICC for allegedly exceeding its jurisdiction, specifically regarding investigations and arrest warrant requests related to Israel and Palestine.

In an official statement, Dakar expressed “deep concern” over the measures, arguing that sanctions targeting ICC personnel could undermine the independence and functionality of international criminal justice. Senegal, the first state to ratify the Rome Statute, emphasized that judicial functions within an international jurisdiction should not be subject to pressures that affect their mandate. The government announced it will continue consultations with African and international partners to preserve the integrity of the ICC.