The Secretary-General of the ICJ, Adama Dieng, officially informed the Executive Committee at its meeting on 6 May 2000, of his decision to resign as of 8 May 2000.
Adama Dieng, first Secretary-General from the South was appointed in 1990. At that time he committed to discharge his functions for a maximum period of 10 years.
During his term, Adama Dieng increased the visibility of the organization, contributed to the elaboration of various international instruments, strengthened cooperation with institutions such as the OAU and the Council of Europe. Of particular note was his role in the creation of many human rights NGOs, development of programmes for the provision of legal services in rural areas, consolidation of the network of solidarity in favour of judges and lawyers harassed and persecuted around the world. Through his indefatigable efforts a lot of technical support was brought to numerous countries in their transition towards democracy with an emphasis on the strengthening of civil society, capacity-building, the fight against corruption and the protection of the independence of the Judiciary.
The Executive Committee puts on record his appreciation of the sterling qualities Adama Dieng brought to the Office of the Secretary-General, expressed the hope that he will continue in one capacity or another to join in hands with the ICJ in the service of the Rule of Law.
Carrying out an experience of a quarter century in the field of human rights and the Rule of Law, 18 years of which with the ICJ, Adama Dieng intends to avail himself to serve Africa for the upholding of the Rule of Law, Good Governance and Respect of Human Rights. He will also continue his struggle for the protection of human rights defenders.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee noted that his departure would indeed be greatly felt by the organization.
