Senegalese court ruled in Dakar, Weekend, that the former Chadian dictator, Hissene Habre, convicted for crimes against humanity in May, would have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in reparations to his victims.

Hissene Habre

The Extraordinary African Chambers, a special criminal court set up by the African Union within the Senegalese court system, granted Habre’s victims of rape and sexual violence reparations of about 34,000 dollars each.

The prosecutor said victims of arbitrary detention, torture and prisoners of war would receive 25,000 dollars, while indirect victims would get 17,000 dollars each.

Amnesty International described the ruling against the 73-year old, the first ever trial of a former head of state in sub-Saharan Africa, as “a significant moment” in the victims’ quest for justice.

It, however, said it is not clear if Mr. Habre has the means to make the payments.

The amnesty has urged all parties involved to make sure that those entitled get payment.

Mr. Habre received a life sentence for having coordinated crimes against humanity, which included illegal detention, repression and sexual slavery at the end of May.

He was also convicted of war crimes, torture and sexual slavery.

Rights groups estimated that Mr. Habre was responsible for the deaths of around 40,000 people during his rule. About 200,000 people were reportedly tortured by his regime.

The case against the 73-year old was the first ever trial of a former head of state in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. Habre was detained in Dakar in July 2013, after living freely in exile in Senegal for 22 years.

Mr. Habre’s arrest had been delayed for years by Senegal’s administration, ignoring Belgian courts’ efforts to speed up the process and try him in Europe. (dpa/NAN)