WOLEP Talk with Mr. Fokalbo Cogito (Chad) - part II: “To be a lawyer is to be a defender of human rights, to be involved in all aspects of social life”

Read here the first part

WOLEP: What was your first impression when you first learned about the WOLEP Network?

Fokalbo Cogito: Truly, I was impressed. The world has advanced, and in the past, it wasn't feasible to execute such a project or network because collaboration between lawyers in different countries necessitated physical presence and incurred significant expenses due to various factors.

Today, with the advent of modern technology, the Internet has eliminated such issues. I recall discussions in my final-year philosophy class about scientific or technological progress. Now, we can refer to the world as a "global village." Our conversation via Zoom, which was not easily accessible to everyone or every country in the past, exemplifies this. This advantage is evident through the WOLEP Network, where we have been able to bring together lawyers from all over the world. Every time I observe new memberships in WOLEP, I make it a point to note the lawyer's name and their country of origin.

Consequently, I can confidently assert that WOLEP is a network that unites the entire world. Whether from America, Europe, Asia, or Africa, we are now forming one, unified family. This flexibility and openness enable us to collaborate seamlessly, representing an exemplary quality. I found the WOLEP Webinars I attended to be extremely engaging. Admittedly, most were in English. However, the recent launch of our podcast episode in French signals a promising shift, offering new opportunities for non-Anglophone members.

WOLEP: I noticed that you have some understanding of English. Is that correct?

Fokalbo Cogito: This is a challenge that I embrace. Every time a WOLEP Webinar takes place, I ensure my availability because I am eager to participate, despite the fact that it's conducted in English. Engaging in such events helps me in my personal growth. I plan to enrol in an English language course to improve my speaking, and every practical experience contributes to my improvement in this regard. Each webinar in English serves as an opportunity to reinforce my vocabulary, learn new expressions, and enhance my pronunciation. Therefore, hosting WOLEP Webinars in English should not be a hindrance for me or for you, and it should not discourage others either.

For me, it's a matter of time. I am committed to enhancing my English proficiency so that we can consistently be together during English webinars. The WOLEP Network provides a great platform for collaboration. I have been genuinely impressed by the various webinars, the camaraderie, the collaborative discussions. Although they are virtual, they have always been engaging.

When I began my career as a lawyer, there were instances where foreign companies settled in Chad, and when issues arose, they vanished without a trace, leaving behind unresolved matters. However, the WOLEP Network offers hope for the future. In case such situations arise, whether involving American, European, or African companies, the WOLEP Network enables us to collaborate and continue our procedures effectively.

WOLEP: Mr. Cogito, in the future, would you be interested in conducting webinars with other colleagues in French, similar to our recent WOLEP Podcast episode?

Fokalbo Cogito: I don't foresee any issues. My main worry has consistently been the reliability of the home internet connection in Chad, which has often posed a challenge. Today, fortunately, the connection is stable and functioning as expected. I don't perceive any obstacles in arranging a webinar in French. There shouldn't be any issues.

WOLEP: Thank you very much. We'll revisit the idea later. We've just discussed the topic of social justice and human rights in Central and North Africa. The question now is, how have you incorporated these values into your legal practice?

Fokalbo Cogito: As soon as I entered a lawyer's office... Even in advance, I tried to first go through what a lawyer does. What is the profession of a lawyer and what does a lawyer do?

And suddenly I understood that the lawyer is a defender of human rights. To be a defender of human rights is to be involved in all aspects of social life. We were talking earlier about the right to the environment.

Historically, the legal community did not fully recognize the environment as a concern for lawyers. However, when the government enforces legal frameworks, and these frameworks, such as regulations or statutes, infringe upon human rights, a lawyer's responsibility is to intervene and caution against such practices. The lawyer is there to provide guidance, flagging irregularities and asserting that while legal texts exist, their application should not result in such outcomes and abuse.

Hence, it became clear to me that a lawyer's responsibility extends to encompass all social and communal matters.

WOLEP: I'd like to share something with you. We've formed strong friendships with colleagues, including lawyers from Africa—specifically from Tunisia and Rwanda. They consistently participate in WOLEP Webinars. From this, it's clear to me that you genuinely believe in the nobility of the legal profession. That's truly remarkable. Once again, I'd like to extend my congratulations to you. Please, go on.

Fokalbo Cogito: ... The lawyer's role extends to all aspects of societal concerns, particularly advocating for the less privileged. It is well known that the law serves to protect the vulnerable from the powerful.

A lawyer's duty encompasses being present whenever human rights are under threat. Moreover, taking a stance, whether through online platforms or the media, is a crucial part of a lawyer's responsibility to condemn injustice and human rights violations. By addressing various issues, a lawyer also stands as a defender of human rights.

The lawyer's position should always align with legal texts, as these provide the foundation and framework for his actions. As a lawyer, daily challenges are a part of the profession.

I also want to underscore that when victims of human rights abuses are unable to amplify their voices, it is the lawyer's role, whether through digital platforms, or media, to act as their advocate.

Based on my experience, I have been involved in numerous petitions through my collaboration with Amnesty International. The most recent one focused on the widespread human rights violations involving arrests related to demonstrations in Senegal. This required signing and forwarding petitions directly to the Senegalese authorities, seeking attention, release of the detainees, and ensuring fair trials.

This aspect underscores the nature of the legal profession. While it's not expected for a lawyer to be involved in every cause, when they recognize violations and possess the means or ability to effect change, they should act decisively. This is my perspective on the matter.

WOLEP: In the end, please address a few words to your colleagues in our network, WOLEP.

Fokalbo Cogito: I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all my colleagues in the WOLEP Network. Collaborating is significantly enhanced by the possibilities offered by the Internet, which enables us to stay connected from anywhere in the world.

With the global reach facilitated by the Internet, physical distance becomes less of a barrier. It is crucial for us to stand together and actively participate in fostering the growth of our network.

Being part of the WOLEP Network consistently cultivates within me a sense of fulfillment. I would like to convey my thanks to those who conceived this network. I am confident that in the future, we will mutually benefit by exchanging business opportunities and clientele for the betterment of all.

Tags: WOLEP Talk, Fokalbo Cogito, Chad, law in Africa, human rights

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