Justice Blaise Tchikaya.
BY SUKHDEV CHHATBAR
Justice Blaise Tchikaya of the Republic of Congo has been elected new President of the Arusha-based AU African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Justice Tchikaya was elected by his fellow judges during the court’s session on Monday. He succeeds the outgoing President, Dr Modibo Sacko of Mali, who has stepped down prematurely. Prior to his elevation to the presidency, Justice Tchikaya served as Vice-President of the court.
He has been a member of the court since July 2018, bringing to the role extensive experience in public international law, human rights jurisprudence and regional judicial processes. In his acceptance remarks, Justice Tchikaya reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the court’s mandate to protect and promote human and peoples’ rights across the continent. He underscored the importance of judicial independence, enhanced cooperation with African Union member states and increased awareness of the court’s role in advancing accountability and the rule of law.
The court, which marks its 20th Anniversary next week, remains a key pillar of Africa’s human rights architecture, tasked with interpreting and applying the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments ratified by member states. The President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama is expected to be the guest of honour and key speaker at the event.
