- Senegalese lawmakers have cleared hurdles to the trial of the former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré.
Senegal's Justice Minister Madické Niang said the appointment of judges and passing of bills by the parliament are all indications of the West African country's preparedness to speed up the trial of Mr. Habré who had been living in exile in Senegal since he was ousted from power 18 years back.
During his eight-year [1982-90], Habre's government was accused of gross violations of human rights.
"We are completing all the steps that will lead us to the start of the trial," Justice Minister said, making reference to the parliament's approval of a constitutional amendment. The Wednesday approval, the last hurdle to the trial, empowered Senegal to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and torture committed in the past.
After a joint parliamentary session mandated Senegal legal basis to try Mr. Habré, Justice Minister appealed to "all those interested in this trial. We are ready to receive their contribution to immediately pave the way for the legal proceedings."
Mr. Niang, the former Coordinator of Hissène Habré trial team, said Senegal has allocated CFA1 billion for the trial, but still needs more than US $40 million. He said donors are yet to contribute a dime, and therefore appealed to them for help.
In May, a coalition of human rights organisations accused Senegal of "flouting the United Nations decision to prosecute or extradite Hissène Habré." The groups said unless Senegal took immediate action, there won't be any victims left at the trial.
Senegal has been blamed for its missing political will because "money is not lacking."
"Nothing prevents Senegal from opening an investigation right away, which would be the best way to dispel the victims’ legitimate concerns," said Alioune Tine, Secretary General of the Dakar-based African Assembly for the Defense of Human Rights.
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