In a previous order on April 22, the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights had asked Côte d’Ivoire to temporarily suspend the arrest warrant against Guillaume Soro and to release his 19 imprisoned companions. The decision has never been enforced by Côte d’Ivoire. As a result, Guillaume Soro was removed from the electoral roll and his candidacy invalidated by the Constitutional Council on Monday. The African Court on Tuesday ordered Côte d’Ivoire to suspend this sentence and “take all necessary measures to immediately remove all obstacles preventing Guillaume Soro from enjoying his rights to elect and be elected”. On the day of Soro’s conviction, Côte d’Ivoire formally decided to no longer recognize the jurisdiction of the African Court.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 16, 2020 11:07 UTC