WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement on the conviction of Hissène Habré for crimes against humanity:

“I commend the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal for trying the case of former Chadian ruler Hissène Habré and delivering justice for the 40,000 cases of murder and 200,000 cases of torture that spanned his 1982-1990 rule. 

“Hissène Habré’s conviction for crimes against humanity is the product of a campaign by victims and human rights defenders that spanned two decades.  It is a victory for them, and a victory for justice and accountability mechanisms on the continent.  It is my hope that other such institutions, such as the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic and the hybrid court that is to be established in South Sudan can likewise offer justice to victims of war crimes and break the cycle of impunity.” 

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