000re2 tII. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEDURE BEFORE THE COURT 13. The Application was filed on 8 December,2015 14. By a notice dated 25 January, 2016, and pursuant to Rule 35(2) (a) of the Rules of the Court (hereinafter referred to as "the Rules"), the Registry served the Application on the Respondent State, requesting the latter to submit within thirty (30) days of receipt, the names and addresses of its representatives, pursuant to Rule 35(a) (a) of the Rules and respond to the Application within six (60) days of receipt of the notice pursuant to Rule 37 of the Rules. 15. By a notice dated 11 February, 2016, in accordance with Rule 35(3) of the Rules of the Court, the Application was transmitted to the Executive Council of the African Union, State Parties to the Protocol and other entities through, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. 16. By a letter dated 24 March, 2016, the Respondent State requested for an extension of time to file the Response to the Application. 17. By a letterdated 8 June,2016, the Registry informed the Respondent State that the Court has granted the request and requested it to file its Response within thirty (30) days from the receipt of the letter. 18. Having failed to file the Response to the Application, within this additional extension of time, by a letter dated 19 October, 2016, the Court suo mofu, decided to grant the Respondent State an additional thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, for the filing of the Response. By the same letter, the Parties' attention was drawn to Rule 55 of the Rules, concerning judgment in default. 19. On 11 January,2A17, the Applicant requested the Court to issue a judgment in default. 20. At its 44th Ordinary Session held from 6lo 24 March, 2017, the Court decided pondent that it would, in the interest of justice, render a judgment in default if the State does not file its Response within forty-five (45) days of recei 6 v a e-' 4