The Court found that both applications were filed against the same respondent state, concerned alleged violations of the same provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and sought similar remedies. The Court determined that joining the applications would promote the proper administration of justice and judicial economy. Pursuant to Rule 62 of the Rules of Court and relevant case law, the Court exercised its discretionary power to order the joinder of the two applications, concluding that such joinder was appropriate in fact and in law.
The African Court ordered joinder of two Tanzanian applications, finding they arose from the same cause of action and raised substantially similar fair-trial claims.
The African Court ordered joinder of two applications against Tanzania, finding they involved similar Charter claims, remedies, and procedural posture.
The African Court joined two applications against Tanzania because they raised similar challenges to electoral laws and sought related constitutional and legal reforms.
Rugasara and Another v Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda (Application No.22 of 2020; Application No.5 of 2020) [2020] EACJ 13 (26 November 2020) (First Instance Division)
Court
East African Court of Justice
Case number
Application No.22 of 2020 ; Application No.5 of 2020
Judge
Mugenyi PJ, Nyachae J, Nyawello J
The East African Court of Justice refused a full-bench hearing, but ordered Rwanda to file certified copies of the relevant judgment and pleadings, while leaving translations to the Applicants.
