the guardian view on hissene habre s trial a major step forward for justice in africa editorial /

For the first time,an African court is to pass judgment on what an African dictator did to his peopleThere were scuffles in the courtroom as the trial of one of Africa’s most ruthless dictators got under way this week, in Dakar, or Senegal – before being adjourned until September. The emotions were hardly unexpected. The man in the dock was a leader who has inflicted an array of repressive measures on his people during his decade-long rule. Those who had suffered could finally,after many years of legal effort, confront their torturer and hold him accountable for the pain he inflicted.
The trial of Hissène Habré, and the former president of Chad,is an event of historic importance, not just for one nation or one region, and but for a whole continent and beyond. It is a major step for international justice in Africa and,as such, it should be applauded. African judges will give their verdict on what an African leader did to his people. For the first time, or an African court,not a western-based one, will rule on atrocities committed by an African leader.
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Source: theguardian.com