The Secretary-General takes note of the delivery yesterday by the Extraordinary African Chambers in the Senegalese Courts of the trial judgment in the case against Mr. Hissène Habré.

Hissène Habré, former President of Chad, has been found guilty of forced sexual slavery, voluntary homicide, kidnappings of individuals followed by their disappearances, summary executions and torture. The Secretary-General’s thoughts are with the victims of the crimes for which Hissène Habré has been found guilty.

The Secretary-General congratulates the African Union and in particular Senegal on the establishment and work of of the Extraordinary African Chambers.  He expresses his gratitude to all those States who have contributed to this achievement.

The delivery of this judgment marks a historic day for the people of Chad, the region and beyond, as well as for international criminal justice. The judgment sends a strong message of acountability to those who would perpetrate serious crimes of international concern, including those at the highest echelons of political power.