BANJUL, Gambia (AFP) – Representatives of victims of the past dictatorship in the African state of Chad expressed satisfaction and relief yesterday at the news that the country’s former leader Hissene Habre would be put on trial.

Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade said his country would try Habre, wanted by Belgium for trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“We are truly relieved and proud and we share this pride with the victims and the population of Chad,” said Ismail Achim Abdallah, head of the Association of Victims of Political Crimes and Repression in Chad.

“This is a step forward for the promotion of international justice and human rights,” said Abdallah, speaking on the fringes of a summit in Gambia of the African Union where the trial announcement was made.

Habre fled to Senegal after being deposed in 1990 by the current Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno.

Habre has been charged by Belgium with war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture allegedly committed during his eight-year rule, following charges brought by some of his alleged victims – Belgians of Chadian origin.

“The main thing for us is that Hissene Habre will not enjoy political and legal impunity as other heads of state have done,” said Abdallah.