A Sierra Leonean, Michael Imran Kanu has been elected Vice President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Assembly of States Parties (ASP) for the 23rd to 25th session.

Kanu expressed gratitude for acquiring such a position and consolidating Sierra Leone’s prioritization of international criminal justice and accountability at the international level.

He appreciated President Bio for his overall vision and demonstration and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Kabba for his invaluable support.

He congratulated Ambassador Paivi Kaukoranta of Finland on her election as the president of ASP and thanked her for trusting to work together with his co-vice President Ambassador Margarete Kassangana of Poland.

Kanu revealed that in the 25th anniversary year of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the relevance of the only permanent International criminal court cannot be overstated as the important quest to address accountable gaps continues, delivering on the Court’s mandate for the victims must be central.

The ASP as the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC is critical in ensuring cooperation and support for the Court in the discharge of its important mandate.

Earlier in the opening session, Kanu introduced the “Report of the Review Mechanism”, on behalf of his co-State-Party Representative Ambassador Paul-vanden Ijssel, and the ad country focal points, Bangladesh, Chile, and Poland.