We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Moses Chinhengo, a principled and distinguished jurist and a Commissioner at the ICJ since 2009.
From 1996 to 2004, Justice Chinhengo served as a Judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe. He was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Botswana from 2004 to 2012. He served as an Acting Justice of the Court of Appeal of Lesotho, and in 2021 he was appointed Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of Namibia.
Over the course of his judicial career, Justice Chinhengo made at the same time substantial contributions to the work of the ICJ, particularly in the African region. Justice Chinhengo was a strong defender of judicial independence and the rule of law. He is one of the few judges who have served in multiple jurisdictions throughout their career.
Recently, of great consequence, Justice Chinhengo presided over the Fishrot trial involving alleged corruption and fraud in the allocation and use of Namibian fishing quotas. His thoughtful and principled leadership, down-to-earth personality, and vibrant sense of humour will be missed.
