Ex-Chadian ruler could face war crimes charges

Senegal's chief prosecutor says his preliminary investigation suggests there is enough evidence to charge the ex-president of Chad, Hissene Habre, with war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture.

Mbacke Fall said today that Habre will appear before judges the following day in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, where he sought refuge 22 years ago after being ousted in a military coup.

Habre is accused of using cash he allegedly brought with him from Chad's state coffers to buy his freedom in Senegal. Successive governments have dragged their feet on prosecuting him.

Senegalese authorities detained Habre yesterday. Human rights groups hope newly elected President Macky Sall will break with the example set by his predecessor and allow Habre to be put on trial.