By Correspondent
A leaked audio recording has exposed a shocking breach of judicial neutrality at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), revealing that Sudan’s Justice Minister, Muawiya Othman, sought legal counsel from sitting ICJ judge Awn Al-Khasawneh of Jordan.
The 13-minute recording captures Othman asking Al-Khasawneh to advise the Port Sudan government on a pending case—a direct violation of the ICJ’s strict ethical rules.
The Jordanian judge declined, citing his current role as an *ad hoc* judge in another case, but instructed the minister to “explain this to the relevant parties,” suggesting prior undisclosed consultations.
The leak exposes repeated private meetings between the two, raising serious concerns over whether Al-Khasawneh had previously crossed ethical lines by advising one side in an international dispute.
The ICJ’s Statute strictly prohibits judges from acting as “agent, counsel, or advocate” in any case.
Since a 2017 corruption scandal, the court has tightened neutrality safeguards, including stricter ethics codes and a ban on arbitrations by sitting judges—even ‘ad hoc’ ones. Legal experts warn that such breaches threaten the ICJ’s credibility.
“Advising a party in a dispute undermines the court’s impartiality,” said one international law scholar. “If unchecked, it could trigger recusal demands or even challenges to the court’s legitimacy.”
Port Sudan’s Troubled Legal Strategy
This is not the first misstep by the Port Sudan government in international litigation. Its recent case against the UAE drew criticism for “lacking legal and procedural basis,” with experts citing weak evidence and jurisdictional flaws.
The latest scandal suggests a pattern of disregarding ICJ protocols—whether out of ignorance or deliberate defiance.
Legal analysts say the government must now clarify its dealings with Al-Khasawneh or risk further damaging its standing.
Calls for Stronger ICJ Oversight
The leak has intensified demands for stricter ICJ accountability measures. Experts urge enhanced safeguards, including mandatory ethics training and transparent monitoring, to prevent future violations.
“The court must act decisively to protect its integrity,” said a former ICJ official. “Neutrality isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of international justice.”
