# Fatou Bensouda

> Gambian lawyer and judge, Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (2012–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q508482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q508482)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatou_Bensouda)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fatou-bensouda

## Summary
Fatou Bensouda is a Gambian lawyer, judge, diplomat, and politician who served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from 2012 to 2021. Throughout her career, she has held significant legal positions within the Government of The Gambia and maintained affiliations with international bodies such as the United Nations. Her work is centered on international criminal law and justice.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 31, 1961
- **Nationality:** The Gambia
- **Education:** Obafemi Awolowo University; International Maritime Law Institute; Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- **Known for:** Serving as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (2012–2021)
- **Employer(s):** International Criminal Court; The Gambia (Government)
- **Field(s):** Law; Politics; Diplomacy; International Criminal Law

## Contributions
Fatou Bensouda's primary contribution lies in her leadership of the International Criminal Court (ICC), an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal established in 2002. Serving as Chief Prosecutor from 2012 to 2021, she was responsible for investigating and prosecuting some of the world's most serious crimes. Prior to her role at the ICC, she contributed to the legal and political landscape of The Gambia through her service as a government minister and legal advisor. Her educational background in maritime law from the International Maritime Law Institute also highlights her specialized contribution to the field of international maritime regulations. Additionally, her affiliation with the United Nations places her within the context of global efforts to promote peace, security, and human rights.

## FAQs
**What is Fatou Bensouda best known for?**
Fatou Bensouda is best known for her tenure as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a role she held from 2012 to 2021.

**Where did Fatou Bensouda receive her education?**
She studied at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and the International Maritime Law Institute. She also has an educational affiliation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.

**What awards has Fatou Bensouda received?**
She has been recognized with the Order of the Republic of The Gambia, an honorary doctorate from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list.

**What are Fatou Bensouda's professional occupations?**
Her professional occupations include lawyer, judge, diplomat, and politician.

**Is Fatou Bensouda affiliated with any international organizations?**
Yes, she is affiliated with the United Nations, a global intergovernmental organization founded in 1945, and served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

## Why They Matter
Fatou Bensouda matters significantly due to her high-profile role in international justice. As the head of the prosecution at the ICC during a pivotal decade, she was responsible for addressing crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, influencing the global application of international law. Her career trajectory, moving from national legal roles in The Gambia to the highest levels of international judiciary, exemplifies the impact of legal expertise on global governance. Her recognition by major bodies, such as the BBC and the Gambian state, underscores her influence as a leading figure in the legal and political spheres.

## Notable For
- Serving as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (2012–2021).
- Holding the positions of lawyer, judge, diplomat, and politician.
- Receiving the Order of the Republic of The Gambia.
- Being awarded an honorary doctorate from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
- Inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list.
- Educational background at Obafemi Awolowo University and the International Maritime Law Institute.
- Affiliation with the United Nations.
- Citizenship in The Gambia.

## Body

### Identity and Nationality
Fatou Bensouda is a citizen of The Gambia, a sovereign state in West Africa that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. The Gambia is known for its distinct political identity, having transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, and is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Bensouda's nationality places her within a country of approximately 2.6 million people, where English is the official language and the capital is Banjul.

### Education
Bensouda's academic background includes studies at prominent international institutions. She attended Obafemi Awolowo University, a university in Nigeria established in 1962. She also studied at the International Maritime Law Institute, an international university founded in 1988 and headquartered in Malta. Additionally, she has an educational association with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, a university in Belgium, which conferred an honorary doctorate upon her.

### Professional Occupations
Fatou Bensouda is classified under several professional occupations. As a **lawyer**, she belongs to a legal profession recognized globally, classified under ISCO-08 code 2611. As a **judge**, she has held judicial responsibilities. Her roles as a **diplomat** and **politician** involve conducting diplomacy and holding positions in government. The role of a **minister**, which is part of her professional profile, refers to a politician who holds significant civil public office, generally heading a ministry.

### Career at the International Criminal Court
A defining aspect of Bensouda's career was her service as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that began operations on July 1, 2002. It is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. Bensouda led the Office of the Prosecutor from 2012 to 2021, a period during which the court addressed cases involving international crimes. This role positioned her as a key figure in the realm of international criminal justice.

### Affiliations with International Organizations
Bensouda is affiliated with the **United Nations** (UN), the global intergovernmental organization founded on October 24, 1945. The UN, headquartered in New York City, was established to promote international cooperation, peace, and security, replacing the League of Nations. Through her work, Bensouda has contributed to the UN's broad objectives, which include maintaining peace, protecting human rights, and providing humanitarian aid.

### Employers and Government Service
Her employers have included the **International Criminal Court** and the **Government of The Gambia**. In her service to the Gambian government, she operated within the political structure of a presidential republic led by President Adama Barrow as of 2017. Her work as a minister and legal advisor contributed to the national administration of The Gambia.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Bensouda has received numerous awards and recognitions:
*   **Order of the Republic of The Gambia:** An award established in 1972, recognizing her service to her home country.
*   **Honorary Doctorate:** Conferred by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, acknowledging her academic and professional contributions.
*   **BBC 100 Women:** An international award initiated by the BBC in 2013, recognizing her influence and significance as a female leader globally.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Fatou Bensouda is also known by the aliases Fatou B. Bensouda, Fatou Bom Bensouda, and Fatou Nyang. She is recorded in numerous international databases and authority files, including the ISNI (0000000388818175), VIAF (282105332), and the Library of Congress Control Number (no2019092663). These identifiers facilitate her recognition across global library and information systems.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatou_Bensouda#Early_life_and_education)
4. [Source](https://cavavub.be/nl/eredoctoraten)
5. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-34745739)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013