OVERVIEW
Since 1999, Human Rights Watch has been working with the victims of Chad's exiled former president, Hissène Habré, to bring him to justice.
Habré is accused of thousands of political killings and systematic torture when he ruled Chad, from 1982 to 1990. Hehas been living in exile in Senegal for more than 21 years but has yet to face justice there, despite being indicted in 2000. Habré is also wanted by Belgium on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and torture.
After years of stalling by Senegal, the new government of President Macky Sall has finally opened a path to justice for Habré’s victims.
On August 22, 2012, Senegal and the African Union (AU) signed an agreement to establish a special court in the Senegalese justice systemwith African judgesappointed by the AU presiding over his trial and any appeals. The court is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.
The agreement came on the heels of a landmark ruling by the International Court of Justice on July 20, 2012 ordering Senegal to bring Habré to justice “without further delay” either by prosecuting him domestically or extraditing him for trial.Timeline of events in the Habré case
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
ICJ: Questions relating to the Obligation to Prosecute or Extradite (Belgium v. Senegal)– July 20, 2012
ECOWAS: Hissein Habré v. Sénégal– November 18, 2010
Decision on the Hissène Habré Case and the African Union (Doc. Assembly/AU/3 (VII)) – August 2, 2006
Decision of the U.N. Committee against Torture– May 19, 2006
HABRE IN THE NEWS
Former Chadian Leader to Face Trial in Senegal
Voice of America, August 23, 2012
The Huffington Post, July 31, 2012
Senegal Told to Prosecute Ex-President of Chad