Belgium helps fund African war crimes tribunal

Belgium is contributing €500,000 towards the cost of special tribunals within Senegal’s court system, as  Senegal officially launches its tribunal investigating former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré for alleged crimes against humanity. The tribunal, authorised by the African Union and approved by a vote in Senegal’s parliament, marks a major step toward Africa dealing with its own alleged war criminals. Court administrator Cire Aly Ba announced the start of the work on Friday. Habré faces accusations of torture, crimes against humanity and war crimes during his rule from 1982 to 1990. He has enjoyed 22 years of impunity after fleeing to Senegal, leaving behind a country strewn with mass graves. Other countries and organisations financing the tribunal include the European Union (€2 million), the Netherlands (€1 million), the African Union (US$1 million), the United States (US$1 million), Germany (€500,000), France (€300,000) and Luxembourg (€100,000).

(AFP)