The trial of former Chadian leader Hissène Habré concluded on 30th May 2016 in Dakar, Senegal. The Extraordinary African Chambers (EAC), established by the African Union and Senegal, found Habré guilty of crimes against humanity including sexual violence and rape, war crimes, and torture, committed in Chad between 1982-1990. He was sentenced to life in prison.

To coincide with the Habré judgement, Africa Legal Aid (AFLA) in cooperation with the Baltasar Garzón International Foundation and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, convened a Seminar from 30th May - 1st June 2016 in Dakar, on 'Complementarity, the Habre Trial, and the Evolution of Universal Jurisdiction'. AFLA has been at the forefront of discussions on Universal Jurisdiction. It is of historical importance to note that under the auspices of AFLA, the 'Cairo-Arusha Principles on Universal Jurisdiction in Respect of Gross Human Rights Offences: An African Perspective', were adopted. AFLA obtained accreditation for the Seminar's participants: civil society organizations, legal fraternities, academics and opinion leaders, to attend the reading of the judgement.