EU Reaffirms Support for the International Criminal Court
Speaking at a 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 on Thursdays 22nd October 2026, in Freetown, Mr Rossetti reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the Court’s independence and integrity.
EU in Sierra Leone
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent attacks, sanctions and external pressure targeting the ICC.
“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,” Mr Rossetti said.
Funded by the European Union, the two-day seminar, which opened at the Radisson Blu Hotel, is being 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.”
EU in Sierra Leone
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, the Sierra Leonean judge serving at the ICC. Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General from The Gambia and Mauritania also participated and emphasised the importance of the ICC’s work, as well as the continued relevance of international law and human rights in the criminal justice system.
EU in Sierra Leone
Her Excellency Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou highlighted the mandate of the ICC and underscored the significance of hosting the regional seminar in Sierra Leone as an opportunity to strengthen understanding of the Court’s work and foster cooperation with national jurisdictions.
Sierra Leone's Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Alpha Sesay Esq. thanked the European Union for its financial support, noting that the seminar aims to enhance cooperation among Member States within the international criminal justice system. He said the engagement seeks to promote a better understanding of the ICC’s mandate, foster dialogue, and advance collective efforts to combat impunity for international crimes and crimes against humanity.
He further 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.”