Lucas Bastin KC successfully acted for the Republic of The Gambia in annulment proceedings before an ICSID Annulment Committee, resulting in the complete annulment of a significant award rendered against The Gambia.
On 17 July 2026, the ICSID Annulment Committee annulled the award in its entirety. The Committee found that the original tribunal had failed to give reasons for findings that went to the heart of the tribunal’s decision on jurisdiction.
The decision, which is not yet public, is the first in which an ICSID annulment committee has annulled an award in its entirety solely on the ground that the tribunal failed to state reasons under Article 52(1)(e) of the ICSID Convention. It therefore represents an important development in the interpretation and application of the ICSID Convention, clarifying the scope and significance of the obligation on ICSID tribunals to provide reasoned decisions.
Lucas acted alongside Cherie Blair KC, James Palmer and Ricardo Gerhard of Omnia Strategy LLP.
For further information, Omnia Strategy LLP’s press release can be found here: Omnia secures historic victory for the Republic of The Gambia as ICSID Annulment Committee annuls multi-million USD award. – Omnia Strategy LLP