Pro-“Israel” jurist to succeed Lebanon’s Nawaf Salam as ICJ president

A Ugandan judge who supported “Israel” in rejecting genocide allegations brought by South Africa is set to assume the presidency of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest judicial body.

The leadership change follows the appointment of ICJ President Nawaf Salam as Lebanon’s Prime Minister on Monday. 

Julia Sebutinde, the court’s vice president, is now positioned to lead the ICJ. She is notable for being the only judge, aside from an “Israeli” representative, to oppose restraining orders against “Israel” for its aggression on Gaza.

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Sebutinde recently gained international attention for her contentious ruling on South Africa's request to halt “Israel’s” actions in Gaza. 

She dismissed the application, arguing that the “Israel”-Palestine war is fundamentally political, not legal, and falls outside the ICJ's jurisdiction. The decision has sparked diplomatic tensions.

Uganda’s UN Ambassador Adonia Ayebare publicly clarified that Sebutinde’s ruling does not represent Uganda's official stance.

As ICJ president, Sebutinde will oversee court administration, lead judicial panels, and wield a decisive vote in cases of judicial deadlock. 

Her presidency comes as “Israel” prepares to present its defense against South Africa’s genocide allegations in July.

The transition also necessitates the United Nations appointing a new judge from the Asia region to fill Salam’s vacancy.

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