Judge Nawaf Salam, the president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), resigned from his position on Tuesday, effective immediately. His resignation comes nearly two years before the scheduled end of his term, which was set to expire on February 5, 2027.
The departure of Judge Salam coincides with media reports that he has been nominated by Lebanon’s recently elected president to form a new government, further signaling a shift in his career from the judiciary to political leadership.
Salam, who has been a member of the ICJ since February 2018 and assumed the presidency of the court earlier this year, leaves behind a distinguished career in international law and diplomacy.
Before his tenure at the ICJ, Salam served as Lebanon’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017, where he gained recognition for his diplomatic skills and leadership.
The UN Security Council will now set the date for the election of Salam’s successor, who will complete the remainder of his term as a member of the court.
Salam’s nomination as Lebanon’s prime minister marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Known for his extensive international experience and reformist views, Salam is tasked with navigating Lebanon’s complex political environment.
His resignation from the ICJ presidency aligns with the unfolding political developments in Lebanon, where Salam is expected to play a key role in the formation of a new government.
