Feb 28, 2025 Story by: Editor
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr. Karim A.A. Khan KC, has announced the appointment of new Special Advisers under Article 42.9 of the Rome Statute.
The newly appointed Special Advisers are:
- Judge Dr. Sanji Mmasenono Monageng – Special Adviser without portfolio
- Evelyn Ama Ankumah – Special Adviser without portfolio
These appointments aim to establish a network of experts from diverse cultural, linguistic, and gender backgrounds across different regions of the world. Their specialized knowledge will strengthen the Office of the Prosecutor’s (OTP) ability to fulfill its mandate under the Statute more effectively and efficiently while enhancing focus on key priority areas identified by the Prosecutor.
“I am delighted to welcome Judge Monageng and Evelyn Ankumah to the roster of Special Advisers, whose expertise will significantly enhance the Office’s work on critical issues. Their involvement will undoubtedly provide tremendous benefits to our Rome Statute stakeholders and staff. I deeply appreciate their generosity in offering their time, extensive experience, and valuable insights,” stated Prosecutor Khan.
About Judge Dr. Sanji Monageng
Judge Dr. Sanji Mmasenono Monageng is a highly regarded international expert with more than 30 years of experience in law and human rights. Since November 2022, she has served as the Botswana High Commissioner to South Africa and was previously the President of the Southern African Development Community Administrative Tribunal (SADCAT) until 2024.
Dr. Monageng was an ICC Judge from 2009 to 2018, where she held roles such as Appeals Division Judge and First Vice President. She has also served as a Judge in Eswatini and The Gambia and was Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Her contributions to the legal field have been widely recognized, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Botswana and the 2014 Human Rights Award from the International Association of Women Judges. Additionally, Dr. Monageng is an experienced lecturer.
About Evelyn Ama Ankumah
Evelyn Ama Ankumah is a distinguished lawyer, human rights advocate, and the founder of Africa Legal Aid (AFLA). She has extensive legal experience spanning Africa, Europe, and North America and has spearheaded initiatives promoting gender-sensitive and victim-focused approaches to international criminal justice.
Ankumah holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from William Mitchell College of Law and an Advanced Diploma in Human Rights from the International Institute of Human Rights. She has worked as a Research Fellow at Maastricht University and authored a pioneering book on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
She played a key role in shaping international legal frameworks, including the review of the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression. Additionally, she leads the Gender Mentoring Training Programme for Judges and was instrumental in the creation of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA).
Her dedication to justice has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a member of the International Gender Champions Network in 2020. As an editor and author, she has published six books and over forty editions of the AFLA Quarterly journal, furthering global efforts in justice, accountability, and human rights.
Role of Special Advisers
Special Advisers to the Prosecutor are highly qualified professionals with expertise in their respective fields. They provide guidance to the Prosecutor within their areas of specialization and may contribute to the Office’s training initiatives. These advisers work on a pro bono basis and are required to sign a confidentiality agreement while adhering to the ‘Standards of Conduct’ outlined in Annex I of Administrative Instruction ICC/AI/2016/002.
Source: ICC
