Fatou Bensouda – Gambia

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Fatou Bensouda is a Gambian lawyer and diplomat who served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from June 2012 to June 2021. Please note that developments in her life or career may have occurred since then.

Early Life and Education

Fatou Bom Bensouda was born on January 31, 1961, in Banjul, Gambia. She pursued her legal education at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws degree. She later obtained a Master of Laws from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta.

Legal Career

Bensouda began her legal career as a State Counsel in Gambia and then served as a legal advisor and trial attorney at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania. Her work at the ICTR involved prosecuting cases related to the Rwandan genocide. She later became the Senior Legal Advisor and Head of the Legal Advisory Unit at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Deputy Prosecutor of the ICC

In 2004, Fatou Bensouda was elected as the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. In this role, she played a crucial part in various investigations and prosecutions within the ICC, dealing with crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Chief Prosecutor of the ICC

In June 2012, Bensouda succeeded Luis Moreno-Ocampo as the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, becoming the first woman and the first African to hold this position. During her tenure, she oversaw several high-profile cases, including those related to the situations in Libya, Sudan (Darfur), Kenya, and the Ivory Coast.

Under her leadership, the ICC faced criticism and challenges, including accusations of bias and inefficiency. However, Bensouda continued to advocate for the importance of the ICC’s mandate in holding individuals accountable for the most serious international crimes.

Legacy and Recognition

Fatou Bensouda’s tenure as Chief Prosecutor concluded in June 2021. Her legacy includes efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the ICC’s operations and a commitment to pursuing justice for victims of international crimes.

Throughout her career, Bensouda has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to international law and justice.

Please note that developments in Fatou Bensouda’s life and career may have occurred after our last knowledge update in January 2022.