Dr. Fabrice Tambe Endoh launches book on ICC selective prosecution

Dr. Fabrice Tambe Endoh has officially launched his groundbreaking book that critically examines the administration of international criminal justice through the International Criminal Court, with particular attention to selective prosecution, accountability, fairness, and the future of international criminal law.

The book, titled Selective Application of Criminal Sanctions in International Law with Reference to the International Criminal Court, was launched on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Amphi 150 C, University of Buea.

The book contributes significantly to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on the effectiveness and legitimacy of international criminal justice mechanisms. The launch offered scholars, legal practitioners, students, and the wider public an opportunity to engage with one of the most debated issues in contemporary international law.

The aim of the book is to assess allegations of selective prosecution by the ICC and how such selectivity impacts the mechanisms that trigger ICC jurisdiction over a matter under Article 13 of the Rome Statute.

Its main objective is to analyse the nature and scope of Article 13 referrals, with a view to contributing to the existing body of knowledge on this article and the ICC in general.

Using a phenomenological methodological approach, the book argues that the manner in which Article 13 of the Rome Statute triggers ICC jurisdiction raises questions of consistency and fairness.

The book recommends, among other things, the reconstruction of Article 13 to provide for more unified and comprehensive jurisprudence that addresses allegations of selective prosecution raised by African states.

In this regard, the book proposes an amendment to the Rome Statute through the creation of an arm’s-length independent body, a Referral Review Panel, with the mandate to critically assess and determine the merits of cases referred to the ICC for prosecution.

Furthermore, the book recommends that the Malabo Protocol be repealed so that, in the interest of justice, immunity granted to sitting Heads of State is lifted. It also proposes that the complementarity clause under Article 46H of the Protocol should have a nexus with the ICC, allowing the Court to prosecute perpetrators of serious crimes where the proposed African Court of Justice and Human Rights proves reluctant to do so.

The arguments advanced do not end the criminal law debate on selective prosecutions and accountability for serious crimes. The book simply opens the way for relevant discussions on the subject. It is an insightful document that draws critical attention to key gaps in international criminal justice.

The book was reviewed by Dr. Kentsa Etienne in the presence of Head of Department of Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University of Buea, Prof. Atangcho Nji Akonumbo, the Chief launcher Dr. Paul Efome L.M Ngale who opened the launching with FCFA 500,000 among others.

About the author

Dr. Fabrice Tambe Endoh is a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, under the supervision of the SARChI Chair at the University of Johannesburg. He also serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University of Buea, and is an advocate in training under the Cameroon Bar Association.

He is mentored by Barrister Martin Dikanjo Esingila of the Standard Law Firm. Dr. Endoh investigates the selective application of sanctions in the pursuit of international criminal justice and perceived bias by the ICC against Africans.

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