The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights started its 42nd Ordinary Session, yesterday, at its seat in Arusha, Tanzania, with the election of a new bureau for a period of two years.

Justice Sylvain Oré from Côte d’Ivoire was elected president, replacing Judge Augustino Ramadhani (Tanzania) while Justice Ben Kioko from Kenya was elected vice-president, replacing Lady Justice Elsie Thompson of Nigeria.

The session also swore-in two newly elected judges Lady Justice Ntyam Ondo Mengue from Cameroon and Lady Justice Marie Thérése Mukamulisa from Rwanda, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, the term of office of two other judges, Justice Fatsah Ouguergouz (Algeria) and Justice Duncan Tambala of Malawi, came to an end on September 5, 2016.

The judges during the session, among others, will examine about 70 applications and four requests for Advisory Opinions.

The court is composed of eleven judges, all nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.

The president and vice-president are elected for a term of two years and are eligible to be re-elected for another final term of two years.

The court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw