the serious offence of armed robbery. This situation resulted in contravention of the principle of equality of arms. In addition, the Applicant alleges that he was not given the opportunity to make c.t rejoinder to the prosecution's statement during the hearing of his appeal. Procedure 7. The Application was filed on 2 August 2013 and served on the Respondent by a letter dated 10 September 2013. Pursuant to the Rules of Court, by a letter dated 10 September 2013, the Application was notified to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and through the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to the Executive Council of the African Union and State Parties to the Protocol and requesting that any State Party to the Protocol wishing to intervene in the proceedings should do so as soon as possible, and in any case, before the closure of the written proceedings. 8. At the request of the Court, Pan African Lawyers' Union (PALU) is representing the Applicant. 9. On 11 December 2013, and following the decision of the Court taken at its 31st Ordinary Session, the Registrar reminded the Respondent that it is yet to file a Response to the Application, that it had fifteen (15) days from receipt of the reminder within which to do so and to note the provisions of Rule 55 of the Rules of Court. Thereafter, on 16 December 2013, the Respondent requested an extension of time to file the Response, which the Court granted by thirty (30) days. --0L_.. 6