ISTANBUL 

Senegal on Thursday called on the US to lift sanctions imposed on four International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, including Senegalese Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.

The sanctions constitute a “serious violation of the principle of judicial independence” and undermine ICC judges' right to “freely and peacefully” carry out their mandate, Senegal's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Senegal, the first country to ratify the Rome Statute, expressed “full solidarity” with Niang and the other sanctioned ICC officials, reaffirming its “unwavering support” for the court and its role in international criminal justice.

The West African nation urged other signatories to the Rome Statute to reaffirm their solidarity for the ICC and step up efforts to ensure its judges and staff can operate independently, without threats or restrictions.

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also voiced his “personal, total, and unwavering support” for Niang, praising his dedication to justice during a recent meeting in Dakar.

“The government of Senegal, his country, will stand resolutely by his side to confront these unjust and unfounded measures from the United States of America,” Sonko said through the US social media company X.

He also “warmly” praised Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his “enlightened leadership and firm stance” in support of the ICC, particularly highlighting his backing of Niang.

The US sanctioned four ICC officials on Wednesday, including Nicolas Yann Guillou, Nazhat Shameem Khan, Kimberly Prost, and Mame Mandiaye Niang.

Guillou, a French jurist serving on the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I, authorized arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Deputy prosecutors Khan and Niang were sanctioned for "continuing to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel," including upholding warrants targeting Israeli leadership.

Since October 2023, Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza, devastating the enclave, which now faces famine. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.