Somali Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf Resigns from the International Court of Justice

By A Yusuf

The Hague, June 11, 2025 — Esteemed Somali jurist Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf has officially tendered his resignation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, according to a statement released by the Court on Wednesday.

Judge Yusuf submitted his resignation to the UN Secretary-General, with the resignation set to take effect on September 30, 2025.

A distinguished member of the ICJ since February 6, 2009, Judge Yusuf has played a pivotal role in shaping international jurisprudence. 

He served as the Court’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2018 and later as President from 2018 to 2021, becoming one of the most prominent African legal minds to lead the world’s highest court.

The United Nations is expected to hold an election to fill the vacancy and complete the remainder of his term.

While Judge Yusuf has not publicly disclosed his reasons for stepping down, his departure is being seen by many in legal and diplomatic circles as the end of a remarkable era in international law.

Judge Yusuf is particularly remembered for his firm defense of Somalia’s interests during the landmark maritime boundary dispute between Somalia and Kenya, where the ICJ ruled largely in favor of Somalia. His contributions were hailed as a turning point for African representation in global justice.

Before his tenure at the ICJ, Judge Yusuf held senior positions within several UN agencies, including UNESCO and UNCTAD. He also co-founded the African Institute of International Law, reinforcing his legacy as a champion of international justice and African legal development.