The African Union has welcomed Kenyan jurist Phoebe Okowa’s election to a full nine-year term at the International Court of Justice.
In a statement on Friday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described Prof Okowa’s win as recognition of Africa’s contribution to international law and its growing role in global judicial institutions.
He added that her election reflected the confidence of the international community in her legal expertise and judicial service, while providing an opportunity to highlight the contribution of African professionals to global governance.
“Her election recognises her distinguished contribution to international law and reflects the confidence of the international community in her expertise and judicial service. It is a source of pride for Kenya and the African continent,” Youssouf said in his congratulatory message.
The AU said Okowa’s achievement went beyond national recognition, pointing to the role of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora in shaping international legal institutions.
“Judge Okowa’s career illustrates the contribution of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora to international law and global institutions,” the statement said.
Her election comes at a time when African countries continue to push for greater representation and influence in international institutions, including those responsible for interpreting international law and resolving disputes between states.
The ICJ, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
It comprises 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms. The Court determines legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on questions of international law.
Okowa secured her full term following an election by the two UN organs on November 3, 2026. She will begin her nine-year mandate on February 6, 2027, extending her service at the Court after initially being elected in November 2025 to complete the unexpired term of former Somali judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf.
Her election also follows a campaign by Kenya to secure her continued presence at the Court, with the Foreign Affairs Ministry undertaking diplomatic engagements with UN member states to rally support for her candidature.
The Kenyan jurist brings considerable experience in international law to the bench. She is a Professor of Public International Law at Queen Mary University of London and previously served on the UN International Law Commission, where she was the first African woman elected to the body since its establishment in 1947.
Her academic and professional work has covered state responsibility, international environmental law, the use of force and accountability under international law.
The AU said her achievement is important for African women and young people seeking careers in law and public service, describing her as an inspiration to the next generation of legal professionals.
“Her achievement is an inspiration to African women and young people pursuing careers in law and public service,” Youssouf said.
The Commission also linked her election to AU’s Agenda 2063 aspirations, which include strengthening justice and the rule of law, promoting peace and security, and ensuring that the continent fully harnesses the potential of its people.
The Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to international law, effective multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes, saying the Court’s work remained essential to respect for the rule of law in international relations.
Her new term will run until 2036.
