Africa: Mudavadi mobilizes Africa to support the re-election of Judge Okowa to the International Court of Justice
Nairobi — Kenya has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure a full nine-year term for Justice Phoebe Okowa at the International Court of Justice, after Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi launched her nomination for the 2027-2036 term during the African Union Executive Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a statement, Mudavadi described the launch as a milestone, underscoring Kenya’s national pride and Africa’s expanding role in global governance and justice.
Professor Okowa, who was elected to the International Court of Justice in November 2025, became the first Kenyan and the first African woman to sit on the world’s highest court.
She is also the eighth woman in history to serve on the bench of the International Court of Justice.
Mudavadi said that Kenya will actively lobby and mobilize support from African countries to ensure its continued presence in The Hague, emphasizing its distinguished academic background, extensive experience in international law, and commitment to promoting global justice.
The International Court of Justice, or colloquially the World Court, is the principal judicial body of the United Nations.
It settles legal disputes brought before it by States, and provides advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by other United Nations organs and specialized agencies.
