Antananarivo, Tuesday, October 18, 2016: Justice Chinembiri Energy Bhunu of Zimbabwe was sworn in as a Judge of the Court of the First Instance Division of the COMESA Court of Justice during the Summit. This followed his election during the first extra-ordinary meeting of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General held on the side lines of the COMESA Policy Organs meetings in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Justice Bhunu’s replaced the late Justice Andrew Mutema of Zimbabwe who passed away five months after his appointment in 2015. The deceased was the Principal Judge of the First Division Court.

Three countries; Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Madagascar that had earlier expressed interest in presenting candidates withdrew in favour of Zimbabwe in a gesture of sympathy. The extra ordinary meeting was called for the sole purpose of sitting as an electoral college under the Rules of Procedure for the election of the Judges of the COMESA Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Lady Justice Honourable Qinisile Mabuza of Swaziland was appointed the Principal Judge of the COMESA Court of Justice to replace Justice Mutema. Justice Qinisile who has been serving as the acting Principal Judge was also sworn in at the summit