The Solicitor General, Dr. Ally Possi, has held talks with the President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Justice Blaise Tchikaya, in Arusha in a meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation between the government and the continental human rights court.
Dr. Possi visited the office of Justice Tchikaya shortly after attending the official opening of the court’s new judicial year and the launch of celebrations marking the court’s 20th anniversary. The events were held at the court’s headquarters in Arusha.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Possi said his visit aimed to introduce himself to the court’s leadership and reaffirm the existing collaboration between the Office of the Solicitor General and the African Court.
He said Tanzania, as the host country of the court, considers it important to maintain close cooperation with the institution, especially in matters related to the handling of cases involving the government.
Dr. Possi explained that the Office of the Solicitor General is responsible for conducting government litigation and representing the state in legal proceedings, including cases before international courts.
“Our office is responsible for handling government cases. You will interact with this office in the management of cases involving Tanzania before this court,” he said.
He noted that Tanzania has several cases that have been handled by the African Court, making continued engagement between the two institutions important.
Dr. Possi added that as the host nation, Tanzania remains ready to support the work of the court and facilitate communication between the institution and the government whenever necessary.
On his part, Justice Tchikaya said a significant number of cases handled by the African Court originate from Tanzania, noting that the presence of the court in the country provides citizens and stakeholders with an opportunity to seek justice at the continental level after exhausting domestic legal channels.
He said the situation demonstrates Tanzania’s openness in allowing its citizens to pursue justice through international human rights mechanisms, in line with the provisions of the African human rights charter and its protocols.
Justice Tchikaya also called for continued cooperation with the Office of the Solicitor General in supporting the ongoing construction of the court’s office complex in Arusha.
He thanked the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for supporting the establishment of the court and facilitating the start of construction of its permanent office premises in the city.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, headquartered in Arusha, is a continental judicial body mandated to protect human rights in Africa by interpreting and applying the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant instruments.