US Sanctions ICC Officials in Senegal: Tomoko Akane, Abdoulaye Seye

• The US government sanctioned two ICC officials, Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye, on August 18, 2026.
• The sanctions are part of a broader effort to restrict the ICC's ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes.
• The move may impact the ICC's ability to carry out its mandate and hold perpetrators accountable for international crimes.

The US government's actions may deter other countries from cooperating with the court, potentially undermining its ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes.

On August 18, 2026, the US government took a significant step in its ongoing dispute with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by imposing sanctions on two high-ranking officials. The move is part of a broader effort to restrict the ICC's ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes. According to Human Rights Watch, Tomoko Akane, the president of the ICC, and Abdoulaye Seye, an ICC senior trial lawyer from Senegal, were designated for sanctions under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025.

The US government's decision to sanction ICC officials is rooted in a long-standing dispute over the court's jurisdiction and the potential for politically motivated prosecutions. The Trump administration's executive order, which was issued in February 2025, allows the US to impose sanctions on individuals who are deemed to be undermining international efforts to combat terrorism or other transnational crimes. The ICC has been critical of the US government's actions, arguing that they undermine the court's ability to carry out its mandate and hold perpetrators accountable for international crimes.

The sanctions imposed on Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye have significant implications for the ICC's ability to operate effectively. The US government's actions may deter other countries from cooperating with the court, potentially undermining its ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of these developments and consider how they may impact international cooperation and enforcement of ICC judgments.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential implications on international cooperation and enforcement of ICC judgments, as these sanctions may impact the court's ability to carry out its mandate.

Source: Original reporting via Human Rights Watch