The Elusive Justice for Hissène Habré’s Victims in Chad

African Union and Chad Fail to Provide Reparations for Hissène Habré’s Victims

Seven years after late Chadian President Hissène Habré’s conviction, Chad and the African Union (AU) have failed to provide court-ordered reparations to his victims. On May 15, 2023, two of the most active leaders of the Association of Victims of the Crimes of Hissène Habré (AVCRHH) passed away. The association has reported that hundreds of direct and indirect victims have died since Habré’s conviction. Despite the significant verdicts, none of the victims have received a penny in reparations, and those who suffered under Habré’s rule are in urgent need of financial and medical assistance.

Background of the case

In 2016, a Dakar-based court convicted Hissène Habré for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and torture, including sexual violence and rape, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Seven Chadian and international organizations have called on Chad and the AU to fulfill their obligations to the victims under the court orders. In a separate trial in Chad, a court convicted 20 security agents of murder and torture charges, and both courts ordered millions of dollars in victim compensation. The appellate court in Dakar confirmed Habré’s conviction in April 2017 and awarded 82 billion CFA francs (approximately US$130 million) to 7,396 named victims, mandating the AU trust fund to raise money by searching for Habré’s assets and soliciting contributions.

Despite the trust fund receiving an allocation of $5 million from the AU, it has not yet begun its work, six years after the appeals court order. The organizations also report that the Chadian government has not complied with the court orders to pay reparations or create a memorial to those killed under Habré’s rule. Hence, the victims continue to wait, and many have died without receiving any compensation.

Editorial and Advice

The world’s landmark case of Habré’s rule is still waiting for justice to be served. The African Union’s promise of ‘African solutions to African problems’ must not become cheap rhetoric. Accountability and support for the victims should be the topmost priority. The Chadian government and the AU must fulfill their obligations and implement existing court decisions, enabling the victims to receive reparations.

In conclusion, to honor the bravery of the victims who fought relentlessly for 25 years, the AU and Chadian government must take immediate and necessary actions to fulfill their obligations, ensuring that the victims receive the compensation they deserve. Only then can justice be served, allowing the victims to begin healing and rebuilding their lives.

Human Rights-justice,HissèneHabré,victims,Chad