Arusha, 2 June 2025: The African Court on Human & Peoples’ Rights (the Court/AfCHPR) has elected Honourable Justice Modibo Sacko of Mali as its President, and Honourable Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika of Algeria as the Vice President.

The election took place today during the first day of the Court’s 77th Ordinary Session, being held at its seat in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.

Honourable Justice Sacko takes over from Honourable Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, whose term as President has come to an end after four years at the helm, from 2021 to 2025. He served as the Vice President during the final two years of her Presidency.

Honourable Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika takes over from Honourable Justice Sacko, who has now assumed the Presidency.

The new Bureau will serve a two-year term from 2025 to 2027, in accordance with Article 21 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The full profiles of the President and Vice President are available below:

President – Honourable Justice Modibo Sacko https://www.african-court.org/wpafc/hon-justice-sacko-modibo-mali/

Vice President – Honourable Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika https://www.african-court.org/wpafc/lady-justice-bensaoula-chafika-algeria/

The Bureau is elected by the Judges from among themselves for a two-year term, renewable once.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) is a continental court established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples' rights in Africa.

2. The Court is an organ of the African Union and it complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

3. The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.

4. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.

Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org Telephone: +255 272 510 510
For further inquiries: Dr Robert Eno, Registrar – Robert.Eno@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Chipiliro Kansilanga – Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org