The 18th session of the Association africaine des hautes juridictions francophones (Aa-Hjf) opened on November 2 at the Ecole régionale supérieure de la magistrature de l'Ohada (Ersuma) in Porto-Novo, Benin. The three-day meeting brings together magistrates from various high courts, including courts of cassation, administrative and constitutional courts. The session aims to enhance the capacity of judges from member jurisdictions to address complex judicial issues.
The Aa-Hjf, which brings together high courts from French-speaking Africa, is committed to promoting judicial cooperation and integration across the continent. According to Victor Dassi Adossou, president of the Cour suprême and head of the Aa-Hjf's council of administration, the association's goal is to unite Africa through law and justice. The session provides a platform for judges to share experiences, discuss best practices, and address challenges in their respective jurisdictions.
The session features two introductory communications that will set the tone for the discussions. The first communication focuses on the role of international judges in the face of challenges to international law. The second communication explores the intersection of climate justice, fundamental rights, and public responsibility in the African Francophone space. These themes will guide the discussions in five workshops, where participants will examine issues specific to their jurisdictions.
The workshops will cover a range of topics, including the control of proportionality, the motivation of judgments, and emergency procedures. Other issues to be addressed include the protection of constitutional order, the articulation of jurisdictional competences, and the control of public expenditure. The program also includes a session on the use of artificial intelligence in judicial processes.
The Aa-Hjf session is taking place against the backdrop of growing recognition of the importance of judicial cooperation in Africa. According to Yvon Détchénou, Benin's minister of justice, the session demonstrates the commitment of the Aa-Hjf to promoting a culture of judicial excellence. The minister praised Victor Dassi Adossou for his leadership in promoting the association's goals.
The session has been organized in collaboration with various partners, including the French bar and universities from Africa and Europe. The program includes presentations from experts in the field of law and justice. The session is dedicated to the memory of Arsène Capo-Chichi, a prominent figure in the Aa-Hjf who recently passed away.
The 18th session of the Aa-Hjf is expected to contribute to the development of a more cohesive and effective judicial system in Africa. The session will conclude on November 4, with participants expected to adopt a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening judicial cooperation across the continent.
Key points
- The 18th session of the Aa-Hjf aims to enhance the capacity of judges from member jurisdictions to address complex judicial issues.
