Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-25 19:05:46
The decision by the Namibian government to appoint Professor Phoebe Okowa, a Kenyan, to represent the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague, Netherlands on February 23, sparked mixed reactions. While some criticized the choice, Justice Executive Director Gladice Pickering defended the selection by highlighting the lack of qualified local lawyers in Namibia for the specific case involving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing the concerns raised by Namibians about the sidelining of local counsels, Pickering clarified that the decision was based on the expertise required for the case at hand. She emphasized that there was no one in Namibia who met the qualifications for handling a complex ICJ case in public international law. The cabinet had thoroughly reviewed Professor Okowa’s academic background and credentials in this field before approving her appointment.
Professor Okowa’s impressive track record spoke for itself. With a professorship in Public International Law from Queen Mary University of London and experience as an arbiter at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague, she brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Okowa’s groundbreaking achievements, such as being the first African female to serve on the international law commission, showcased her exceptional qualifications for the role.
Having started her legal career at the University of Nairobi, where she excelled in her studies, Professor Okowa had taught law at esteemed institutions worldwide, including Bristol, Lille, Helsinki, Stockholm, and the WZB Berlin Social Science Center for Global Constitutionalism. Her previous appearance at the ICJ and nomination as an arbiter in 2017 further solidified her reputation as a leading expert in the field of public international law.
The cabinet’s decision to engage Professor Okowa for the ICJ case was also influenced by her involvement in a submission concerning the impact of climate change, reflecting her commitment to pressing global issues. Her active role in international legal matters, such as teaching at the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa in Addis Ababa, illustrated her dedication to advancing legal education and advocacy on a global scale.
In conclusion, the Namibian government’s choice of Professor Phoebe Okowa to represent the country at the ICJ was based on her exceptional credentials, expertise, and experience in public international law. While some may have questioned the decision, the government stood by its selection process and emphasized the importance of securing the best legal representation for the complex case at hand. Professor Okowa’s appointment reaffirmed her standing as a pioneering legal scholar and advocate for international justice.
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