African leaders challenged to appoint more women judges

BY LUSEKELO PHILEMON

African leaders have been challenged to increase the number of women judges in the continent’s Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, because of their outstanding performance in delivering day-to-day activities.

Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission, Dr Aisha Abdullahi, made the call here yesterday when speaking at the retreat between the African Court and People’s Rights and the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union (AU).

She said it was time for African women to showcase their ability and that spirit needs to be supported by AU member countries, by appointing more women in top posts in the African legal sector.

Aisha said the appointment of Justice Sophia Akuffo, as the President of the African Court demonstrates that African women have the ability to acquire any top post in the continent.

“Judge Akuffo we are proud of you and on my own behalf and that of the AUC, I would like to commend your fellow judges for electing a woman of your calibre and pedigree to head this important institution of the African Union. Your election is undoubtedly yet another clear manifestation remarkable progress is being made towards ensuring that women occupy important political, executive, legislative and judicial functions on our continent,” she said.

She further noted: “This Court has only two women – the Judge President and my very own sister from Nigeria, Justice Elsie Nwanwuri Thompson – out of eleven judges at the Court. Allow me to take this unique opportunity to implore our leaders and representatives– members of the PRC – to do something about it, and ensure that in the next nominations and election of judges to the Court, our Heads of State and Government address this imbalance.”

The meeting was opened by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mathias Chikawe who implored African countries to ensure that peace and harmony are maintained in their respective countries.

President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, said the retreat was aimed at enhancing cooperation and facilitating the effectiveness of the Court to achieve its mandate within the African Union.

“In fact, quite unaware of the Curt’s plans for this retreat, during the strategic planning process of the Court, one of the recommendations that came out from human rights stakeholders, was the need for the Court to engage with other AU organs, like the PRC, which have a role to play with regard to strengthening the institutional capacity of the Court on matters of programme budgeting, finance and accounting, as well as administrative matters, including the enforcement of the judgments of the Court,” he said.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN (30/10/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=47461