Today, on 11 March 2024, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in a plenary session, elected Judge Tomoko Akane as President of the Court. Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala was elected First Vice-President, and Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou Second Vice-President. The members of the Presidency are elected for a three-year term with immediate effect.
“I am deeply honored to have been elected by my fellow judges to serve as President of the International Criminal Court. At this challenging time for the Court, stable, collaborative, and unified leadership is required. I will focus on fostering dialogue among the organs of the Court, defense and victims’ representatives, as well as reinforcing dialogue with States Parties and States that have not yet ratified the Rome Statute. I will also prioritize the security and well-being of the Court’s personnel,” said newly-elected ICC President Akane.
The Presidency – consisting of the President and the two Vice-Presidents – plays a key role in providing strategic leadership to the ICC as a whole. The Presidency coordinates with the other organs and seeks the cooperation of the Prosecutor on matters of mutual concern. In accordance with the Rome Statute, the ICC’s governing treaty, the Presidency is responsible for the proper administration of the Court, with the exception of the Office of the Prosecutor.
The Presidency oversees the activities of the Registry and provides input into a broad range of administrative policies affecting the Court’s overall functioning. Furthermore, it conducts judicial review of certain decisions of the Registrar and concludes Court-wide cooperation agreements with States and international organizations.
