CHAD – SENEGAL: Former Chad dictator charged with war crimes
Hissène Habré, former president of Chad, accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes will appear before the Extraordinary African Chambers a special court created in Senegal to investigate the claims against Habré, who could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The former Chadian dictator must answer claims that members of his Secret Service tortured and killed up to 40,000 people during his reign from 1982-90. If brought to trial, Habré would be the first African leader to face charges of crimes against humanity in a fellow African country. Habré has told the judges he does not recognize the Chambers or their legality or legitimacy "because of ongoing violations of the rules of procedures". On the other hand, more than 1,000 victims have asked the Chambers to officially recognize them as parties with an interest in the matter. Nearly 300 applicants claim to be direct victims of Habré, while hundreds more are applying for status based on the rights of deceased family members. The court has not yet indicated how it will respond to the large number of applications. (War Crimes Prosecution Watch, BBC, Jurist 19, 03, 01/07/13; All Africa, 17, 02/07/13; Hirondelle News, 12/07/13; Jeune Afrique, 04/07/13; Deutsche Welle 02/07/2013 and BBC, Europa Press, 02/07/13)