The Gambia government has called on the Trump administration to reverse sanction imposed on Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor and other officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The Government of The Gambia expresses its dismay over the announcement made by the US Government imposing sanctions against Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor and other staff of the International Criminal Court. 

“These acts constitute gross interference on the mandate, independence and impartiality of the Court in the fight against impunity for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. 

“The Gambia stands in solidarity with the Court, its Chief Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, an upstanding citizen of The Gambia, and all other officials of the Court targeted by these sanctions.”

The statement added: “The Gambia continues to value and support the important work of the Court in upholding world peace and security. It therefore urges the US Government to reverse the sanctions imposed on the Officials of the Court.”

The government’s reaction comes four days after the sanctions which has been widely condemned on the continent and in Europe.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba