Senegal: France backs trial of Chad warlord

  1. Posted on Friday 25 June 2010 - 09:50
    Kemo
    Image of Kemo
    Kemo Cham, AfricaNews reporter in Dakar, Senegal
    European nation France has reassured Senegal of its support to bring to trial the former Chadian leader, Hissene Habre, for crimes against humanity. "Senegal has the capacity to try Hissene Habre," French human rights ambassador Francois Zimeray noted. About 40, 000 opponents died during his brutal reign.
    hissene habre
    He told AFP: "France will do everything to encourage Senegal to take on this case."

    Habre, who rose to power in 1982, has since been living in exile in Dakar after pre-empting a commission of enquiry report in his country, accusing him of responsibility of the murders.

    In 2006 the African Union mandated Senegal to try the former military leader, but the case could not kick off, with Senegal citing financial concerns. Human rights organizations have accused Senegal of not wanting to prosecute the matter.

    Habre, described as "Africa's Pinochet" by Human Rights Watch for his brutal reign, is challenging Senegal’s jurisdiction over the matter. An Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court is set to rule in October on the matter.

    African leaders shun the idea of the controversial International Criminal Court prosecuting former leaders of the continents accused of crimes against their people. Observers say Habre’s prosecution by Senegal could set an important precedence for future cases.

    "You cannot all at once say the International Criminal Court has no business here (in Africa) and at the same time not judge a case when you have the ability to do so yourself," Zimeray was quoted by AFP as saying. "Unless you are opposed to the fight against impunity, which I know is not true of Senegal."

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