UNITED NATIONS — Kenyan jurist Phoebe Okowa won election on Nov. 3 to a full nine-year term on the International Court of Justice, Africa Briefing reported.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Okowa on Nov. 6, the African Union said.
Key facts
- Nine candidates sought five seats on the 15-member court, Africa Briefing reported.
- Judges need an absolute majority in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, voting separately, the outlet reported.
- Okowa secured 183 votes in the General Assembly, the outlet reported.
- Her new term begins Feb. 6, 2027, the African Union said.
- Sierra Leone withdrew its candidate, Charles Chernor Jalloh, and backed Okowa to preserve Africa’s seat, Africa Briefing reported.
The other judges elected
Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, François Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan and Rena Lee of Singapore were also elected, Africa Briefing reported.
Okowa joined the court in November 2025 to complete the term of Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, which ends Feb. 5, 2027, the outlet reported.
“Her election recognises her distinguished contribution to international law,” Youssouf said in the African Union statement.
Related coverage
Sources
- Africa Briefing, “Kenya’s Okowa secures nine-year ICJ term,” Nov. 6, 2026
- African Union, “AUC Chairperson congratulates Judge Phoebe Okowa on her election to the International Court of Justice,” Nov. 6, 2026
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