Political Repression and Dissent in Chad, the Case of Hissene Habre and the Prosecution of Criminal Responsibility in Africa and International Law

Abstract

This paper focuses on political Repression and Dissent in Chad committed by Hissene Habre and his regime between 1982 to 1990 particularly severe international human rights violation and attempts by the international community to bring him to justice. The paper will look at the political history of Chad, in order to understand the context under which such crimes were committed. Attempts to prosecute Hissene Habre under international law will be examined, including the role of victims living abroad, the role of the government of Chad as well as the role of the African Union. The paper will also look at the legal and political battles that led to the creation of the Extraordinary African Chambers court that has been endowed with the competence to prosecute him and the role of transnational advocacy network groups. The paper will look at the emerging principle of the Responsibility to Protect and its implication in future situations like the case of Chad. The emerging jurisprudence that will arise after the prosecution of Hissene Habre for international crimes committed by him and his regime and its implication in the development of international law and policies will be analyzed.