THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, a distinguished Somali jurist and former President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has announced that he will resign as a Member of the Court effective 30 September 2025, more than a year before the scheduled end of his term on 5 February 2027.
The ICJ confirmed the announcement in a press release issued Wednesday, stating: “Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf will resign as a Member of the Court with effect from 30 September 2025.”
Judge Yusuf has served on the Court since 6 February 2009, and was re-elected in 2018. He held the position of Vice-President from 2015 to 2018, and later became President of the Court from 2018 to 2021—the first Somali and only the third African to lead the ICJ in its history.
According to the Statute of the Court, the process to replace him will now be initiated. “In accordance with Article 14 of the Statute of the Court, it will be for the Security Council to fix the date for the election of his successor by the General Assembly and the Security Council,” the statement noted. The successor will serve the remainder of Judge Yusuf’s term.
Judge Yusuf’s departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable 16-year tenure at the world’s highest judicial body. Widely respected in international legal circles, he is known for his expertise in international law, human rights, and global governance. Before joining the ICJ, he held senior legal roles at several UN institutions, including UNESCO and UNCTAD, and was a founding member of the African Institute of International Law.
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945, the Court is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms and is responsible for settling legal disputes between states and issuing advisory opinions on legal questions referred by UN bodies.
Judge Yusuf’s resignation is seen as a significant moment not only for the ICJ but also for African representation in international justice. His legacy includes advancing the role of international law in promoting peace and equity among nations.