The Executive Council of the African Union (AU), at its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, has re-elected two Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and elected one new Judge to join the continental court.
Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam from Nigeria and Justice Blaise Tchikaya from the Republic of Congo were re-elected for six years each. They were both elected Judges of the Court in July 2018 for six (6) years.
Justice Duncan Gaswaga from the Republic of Uganda was elected for a six-year term and replaces Justice Ben Kioko from the Republic of Kenya, who has retired after serving two terms of six years each.
African Court document obtained by the Communication for Development and Advocacy (CDA Consult), a development communication advocacy non-governmental organization, indicated that
Justice Gaswaga will be sworn in on September 2nd, 2024, at the commencement of the 74th Ordinary Session of the African Court at its seat in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
The President of the African Court, Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, congratulated the three Judges and wished them success in their pursuit of the common objective of enhancing the protection of human and people’s rights on the continent.
The African Court is a continental court established by African countries to protect human and people rights in Africa. It complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The African Court comprises eleven judges, who are elected in their capacity as nationals of Member States of the African Union.
It meets four times yearly in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions. It remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the protection of human and people’s rights in Africa through judicial processes.
These appointments reflect the African Union’s dedication to maintaining the highest judicial excellence and diversity standards within the African Court.
