ICC Acting Prosecutor Blames US Attacks on Misunderstanding

The acting prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mame Mandiaye Niang, stated in his first press interview since taking office that attacks by the Trump administration on the court stem from a misunderstanding of its activities. Niang indicated that the ICC is preparing for potential new U.S. sanctions, following threats by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to dismantle the court, which he views as a threat to U.S. sovereignty. Washington previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials, including the current prosecutor, over the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related to the war in Gaza.

Niang suggested that statements from figures like Rubio appear to be "born out of misunderstanding." He emphasized that the ICC does not seek to infringe on national sovereignty and is not the world's police force, rejecting accusations of corruption leveled by Washington. "This is a judgment we do not accept," he stated firmly. The existing U.S. sanctions make it extremely difficult for affected individuals to conduct basic transactions, but Niang stressed the importance of preventing these measures from impacting the court's operations.

Niang expressed greater concern about the threat of further sanctions, not just on individuals but on the institution itself, which could hinder its ability to operate technologically. In response, the ICC is exploring "alternatives" to maintain its independence and continue its work. Niang is preparing to oversee the potential trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes during his "war on drugs."

He believes that holding former leaders accountable sends a powerful message to those in power. Niang expressed hope that leaders like Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, for whom arrest warrants have been issued, might one day face trial, stating, "Nothing is impossible." Niang assumed leadership of the prosecutor's office following the dismissal of Karim Khan due to alleged "gross misconduct," which Khan denies. Niang stated that this "difficult chapter is behind us" and the focus must return to the court's work, emphasizing the need to heal and ensure continuity until a new prosecutor is elected.

Despite challenges including U.S. sanctions, member state withdrawals, and the Khan scandal, Niang remains confident in the ICC's resilience, comparing the institution's life to that of humans, with inevitable difficulties and storms. He affirmed his commitment to the ideal of justice that the ICC represents, stating, "No one can compromise on it."