date to be taken into consideration for computing the time-limit for seizing
this Court is 18 February 2019. In this regard, the Court notes that it was
seized on 15 May 2020. The Court observes that between that date and 18
February 2019, one (1) year, two (2) months and twenty-five (25) days had
elapsed.
61. In any event, the Court recalls its jurisprudence in Sébastien Germain
Ajavon v. Republic of Benin that, where the time-limit in question is relatively
short, it must be considered to be manifestly reasonable. In such cases, the
Applicant is not compelled to prove that the time was reasonable.11
62. In the present case, the Court considers that the period of one (1) year, two
(2) months and twenty-five (25) days is reasonable.
63. The Court therefore dismisses the Respondent State’s objection and finds
that the Application was filed within a reasonable time.
C. Other admissibility requirements
64. The Court notes that there is no dispute as to whether the requirements set
out in Rule 50(2), (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of the Rules are met.
Nevertheless, the Court must satisfy itself that these requirements are met.
65. The Court notes that the Applicants are clearly identified in line with the
requirement of Rule 50(2)(a) of the Rules.
66. The Court also notes that the Applicants seek to protect their rights
guaranteed under the Charter and other instruments to which the
Respondent State is a party. It further notes that one of the objectives of the
Constitutive Act of the African Union is the promotion and protection of
human and peoples’ rights. The Court finds that the Application is consistent
11
Sébastien Germain Ajavon v. Republic of Benin, ACtHPR, Application No. 065/2019, Judgment of 29
March 2021 (merits and reparations), §§ 86 and 87. See also, Niyonzima Augustine v. United Republic
of Tanzania, ACtHPR, Application No. 058/2016, Judgment of 13 June 2023 (merits and reparations),
§§ 53 to 56.
16