By The Arusha News Reporter
Justice Modibo Sacko of Mali has been elected as the new President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), succeeding Justice Imani Daud Aboud of Tanzania, who completed her second and final term last week.
The election took place during the Court’s 77th Ordinary Session, currently ongoing at its headquarters in Arusha. Justice Sacko becomes the fifth President of the continental judicial body, which plays a crucial role in protecting human and peoples’ rights across Africa.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me,” said Justice Sacko in his first remarks following the election. “I intend to build upon the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and to further reinforce the court’s role in upholding justice, dignity and human rights for all Africans.”
Justice Sacko brings to the position a wealth of experience as a jurist in Mali’s judiciary and legal system. His election is seen as a move to strengthen the court’s institutional credibility and drive its reform agenda.
Established by the African Union (AU) in 2004 and operational since 2006, the African Court complements the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It has delivered a number of landmark judgments and continues to be at the heart of legal and political discourse on human rights in Africa.
As the court embarks on a new chapter, the incoming leadership is expected to intensify efforts to expand the number of AU Member States accepting its jurisdiction, while enhancing the court’s legitimacy and public trust across the continent.
Justice Aboud, who held the presidency from 2021 to 2025, was widely praised by colleagues and staff for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing human rights on the continent. Her tenure was marked by the growing visibility of the court and its engagement with African Union (AU) Member States, as well as the advancement of key infrastructure projects.
“I leave this position with pride in what we have achieved together,” Justice Aboud said in a post-election interview. “I believe the groundwork we’ve laid will enable the court to further strengthen human rights protection across the continent.”
Among her notable achievements was overseeing the construction of the court’s permanent premises in Kisongo, Arusha, which is scheduled to open within the next three months. Justice Aboud will continue to serve on the bench for the remaining two years of her second six-year tenure.
In the same session, Justice Chafika Bensaoula of Algeria was elected Vice-President of the court, becoming the first judge from North Africa to assume this role. Both the President and Vice-President will serve two-year terms, renewable once.
