Arusha — Honourable Justice Guisse, a Senegalese national, was appointed as a founding Judge of the African Court by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in January 2006 after his election by the Executive Council of the African Union. He served for a four-year term which ended in 2010. He was re-elected Judge of the Court for a six-year term in July 2012.
In addition to his service to the Court, Justice Guisse served in the judiciary in Senegal in various capacities. He respectively served as an Investigating Judge in Dakar, as the President of section of the Working Court, as Judge in the Exceptional Court of Dakar, as Judge of the Court of Appeal of Dakar, as Counsellor to the Court of Appeal, as President of Chamber to the Court of Appeal and Deputy Director of the Criminal Affairs and Favours.
Justice Guissé also taught Law at the National School of Administration of Judiciary, the National School of Police and the National School of Health.
He also held several roles within the United Nations including Member, Rapporteur, Vice-President, and President of the Sub-Commission on the Fight against Discriminatory Practices and the Protection of Minorities. In addition, he served as Special Rapporteur on the Right to Drinking Water and as President of the Working Group on the Consequences of Activities of Transnational Corporations on Human Rights.
The Court pays tribute to Justice Guissé’s unwavering dedication to justice and his lifelong commitment to protecting human and peoples’ rights across Africa. He contributed to the development of jurisprudence on various human rights issues in Africa during his time as a member of the Court.
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In a message of condolence to the bereaved family, as well as the Government and people of Senegal, the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Dr. Modibo Sacko described Justice Guissé’s passing as a profound loss to the African human rights family, noting that he will be deeply missed.
A condolence book has been opened at the Registry of the Court for the general public to express their condolences for the passing of Hon. Justice Elhadj Guissé.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is an organ of the African Union established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
The Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.
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: +255 680 500 555
For further inquiries: Deputy Registrar, Ms Grace Wakio Kakai – [email protected]
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