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End of impunity – Precedent to be set as former Chad President Habré to be tried in Senegal
Hissène Habré
A special African court set up to try former Chadian President Hissène Habré for war crimes and crimes against humanity has officially began its work on Friday in Senegal.
The trial against Habré, delayed for years by Senegal where he has lived since being ousted in 1990, will set a historic precedent as until now, African leaders accused of atrocities have only been tried in international courts.
“The main goal of this ceremony is to announce to the world the effective start of work,” said Magistrate Cire Aly Ba, administrator of the court.
The ceremony was attended by Senegalese authorities and African Union representatives, rights campaigners and victims of Mr Habré’s regime.
The court will comprise four special chambers chaired by Senegalese and other African judges appointed by the African Union.
Mr Habré is accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture during his eight years in power in Chad, where rights groups report that some 40,000 people were killed under his rule.
The Senegalese Government and the African Union signed an agreement to set up the court, which was ratified by Senegalese lawmakers on December 19.
