Africa: How Environmental Courts Can Help Africa

analysis

The oil spill off the coast of Mauritius is a grim reminder of the need for environmental courts in Africa. They could play an important role in punishing environmental offences as a recent case from Kenya proves.

Phyllis Omido showed great endurance in her long struggle for justice. A few weeks ago, her battle was finally crowned with victory: the Kenyan environmental court ruled that the state and the owners of a battery recycling company, must compensate the residents of Owino Uhuru village -- an informal settlement in the port city of Mombasa -- for years of lead poisoning caused by the neighboring smelting plant.

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