African Court elects Mali judge as new president

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) has unanimously elected Mali's Justice Modibo Sacko as its president, replacing Tanzanian Judge Imani Daud Aboud, whose term ended last Monday. According to the Eastleigh Voice, the 11-member panel of judges similarly elected Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika of Algeria to replace Justice Sacko as vice president. In his acceptance remarks, Sacko emphasised his commitment to strengthening collaboration between the African Court and member states to ensure protection of human rights across the continent. Sacko also pledged to forge stronger ties with national leaders and judicial systems to promote accountability and enhance the court's accessibility and impact. Aboud expressed pride in her tenure, noting the strides the African Court has made in promoting justice and human rights across the continent. However, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly in securing stronger support from member states. ‘One of the main challenges remains the commitment of African states to fully implement the founding resolutions of this important institution, especially the enforcement of its judgments,’ she said. AfCHPR was established to protect and promote human and peoples' rights across Africa, in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The court works alongside the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, offering binding rulings on cases involving alleged human rights violations. The court's 11 judges are elected by the African Union's Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Full report in The Eastleigh Voice