Arusha, 21 August 2025: It is with deep regret that the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Court/AfCHPR) has received news of the demise of Honourable Justice El Hadji Guisse, former Judge of the Court, who passed away on 20 August 2025 in Dakar, Senegal.
The late Honourable Justice Guissé, a Senegalese national, was among the first judges elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in January 2006 for a first four-year term ending in 2010. He was re-elected Judge of the Court in July 2012 for a six-year term.
Prior to his election to the Court, Justice Guissé served in various capacities in the Senegalese judiciary, including as investigating judge in Dakar, Labour Court Section President, Judge of Special Tribunal, Judge of the Court of Appeal of Dakar, Counsel of the Court of Appeal and Chamber President of the Court of Appeal. He also served as Deputy Director, Criminal Affairs and Pardons at the Ministry of Justice of his country.
Justice Guissé also taught Law in Senegal, in particular at the National Institute of Law and Administration, the National Police Academy and the National Institute of Health.
As regards international appointments, Honourable Justice Guissé held several United Nations positions, including Member, Rapporteur, Vice-President, and President of the Sub-Commission on the Fight against Discriminatory Practices and the Protection of Minorities. In addition, he served as Special Rapporteur on the Right to Drinking Water and as President of the Working Group on the Consequences of Activities of Transnational Corporations on Human Rights.
The Court pays tribute to Justice Guissé’s unwavering dedication to justice and his lifelong commitment to protecting human and peoples’ rights in Africa. He contributed to the development of jurisprudence on various human rights issues in Africa during his time as a member of the Court.
In a message of condolence to the bereaved family, as well as to the Government and people of Senegal, the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Dr. Modibo Sacko described Justice Guissé’s passing as a devastaing loss to the African human rights family. A book of condolence has been opened at the Registry of the Court for the general public to express their condolences.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is an organ of the African Union established by African Union Member States to strengthen the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
- The Court complements and reinforces the mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of African Union Member States elected in their individual capacity.
- The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold extraordinary sessions.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org
Telephone: +255 680 500 555
For further inquiries: Deputy Registrar, Ms Grace Wakio Kakai – Grace.Wakio@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Chipiliro Kansilanga Ngue – Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head – Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
