Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh is set to contest the November 3, 2026 election for the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He is heading into this key election, where he is presented as West Africa’s sole candidate for election to the ICJ, garnering significant regional and international backing. The ICJ functions as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, playing a vital role in resolving legal disputes between states. The upcoming election will offer United Nations member states the opportunity to determine the composition of the World Court, which handles disputes between states. The election process involves simultaneous voting in the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, with candidates needing an absolute majority in both bodies to secure a seat. This rigorous selection process shows the importance of broad international support for successful candidacies.
Key Endorsements Secured
Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has secured significant endorsements from prominent regional and international bodies, noting the confidence placed in his qualifications and experience. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially endorsed his candidacy, demonstrating strong regional solidarity. In July 2026, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government formally designated Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh as the regional bloc’s sole candidate for the International Court of Justice, a powerful statement of unified support. This was followed by an endorsement from the African Union (AU), further solidifying his continental backing. The African Union’s Ministerial Executive Council subsequently backed his candidacy during July 2026, affirming the widespread recognition of his suitability for the prestigious judicial role.
Beyond regional support, Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has received nominations from 13 countries. These nominations represent all United Nations regional groups, further strengthening his international credentials and indicating his appeal across diverse geopolitical landscapes. His broad support base shows the recognition of his qualifications across various geopolitical blocs, suggesting a consensus on his expertise and impartiality. The nomination by 13 States from across the United Nations regional groups is a key indicator of his global standing and the respect he commands within the international legal community.
Distinguished Legal Career
Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh currently holds the esteemed Richard A. Hausler Chair in Law at the University of Miami School of Law, a position that reflects his academic prominence. He has served as a member of the International Law Commission (ILC) since 2017, contributing significantly to the body's work on international law development and codification. His roles within the ILC have been extensive and impactful, including serving as Chair of its Drafting Committee in 2018, where he played a key role in refining and formulating international legal texts. He also served as General Rapporteur in 2019, a position that involves overseeing the reporting of the Commission’s work. Further demonstrating his leadership within the ILC, Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh served as Second Vice-Chair in 2023, showcasing his consistent rise within this authoritative body.
He has also chaired the Working Group on Methods of Work and Procedures of the ILC since 2023, focusing on enhancing the commission's operational efficiency and effectiveness in its critical mission. Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh additionally serves as the International Law Commission’s Special Rapporteur on "Subsidiary Means for the Determination of Rules of International Law." In this capacity, he leads the ILC's work on this critical area of international legal methodology, guiding discussions and research on how international law is identified and applied. The International Law Commission completed the first reading of 13 draft conclusions and accompanying commentaries on the topic of Subsidiary Means for the Determination of Rules of International Law in August 2026, marking a key milestone under his rapporteurship and demonstrating tangible progress in this complex field.
Extensive International Experience
Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has demonstrated extensive experience in international judicial forums, having appeared and acted as counsel in proceedings before several prominent courts and tribunals. He has served in this capacity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), engaging with complex cases involving international criminal law and justice. Additionally, Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has acted as counsel in proceedings before the International Court of Justice itself, the very institution for which he is now seeking election, providing him with invaluable firsthand insight into its operations and jurisprudence. His experience also extends to maritime law, as he has appeared and acted as counsel in proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), addressing intricate issues related to oceans and international waters. These diverse roles show his practical engagement with complex international legal matters and his familiarity with the procedures and operations of key international judicial bodies, making him a highly qualified candidate for the World Court.