The European Union has reaffirmed its strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the Deputy Head of Delegation of the EU in Sierra Leone, Mr Emilio Rossetti, stressing the bloc’s commitment to the rules-based international order, international law, human rights, justice and accountability.
Mr Rossetti made the remarks at a two-day regional seminar organised by the International Criminal Court, in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown from 22 – 23rd October 2026.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent attacks, sanctions and external pressure targeting the ICC, Mr Rossetti reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the Court’s independence and integrity.
“The EU will continue to support the ICC and the Rome Statute system through political, diplomatic, financial and practical means, in order to preserve and protect the independence, impartiality and effective functioning of the Court, free from pressure, intimidation or interference,” he said.
The seminar, funded by the European Union, was held under the theme: “Strengthening cooperation and complementarity with the International Criminal Court: a partnership in fighting impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.”
It brought together key international partners and justice sector actors, including the Second Vice-President of the ICC, H.E. Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou; the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda; and Hon. Justice Miatta Samba, Sierra Leone’s first female judge to serve at the ICC. Ministers of Justice and Attorneys-General from The Gambia and Mauritania were also in attendance.
In her remarks, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou highlighted the mandate of the ICC and underscored the importance of hosting the regional seminar in Sierra Leone as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Court’s work and strengthen cooperation with national jurisdictions.
Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Esq., thanked the European Union for its financial support and said the seminar was aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states within the international criminal justice system.
According to him, the engagement is intended to promote a better understanding of the ICC’s mandate, foster dialogue and advance collective efforts to combat impunity for core international crimes.
Mr Sesay also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Reflecting on the country’s experience with international justice after the decade-long civil conflict, he said:
“No one is above the law, and justice is a cornerstone of lasting peace.”
Also speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, the Principal Defender at the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, Esq., emphasised the importance of cooperation and complementarity, stressing the need for member states to support victims of international crimes around the world.
