Honourable Mr Justice Ziki Sebastien Zahiri

Magistrate and Technical Advisor to the President, Court of Cassation, Cote d’Ivoire

Honourable Mr Justice Zahiri Ziki Sébastien is a distinguished Ivorian magistrate serving as Judge at the Court of Cassation, Côte d’Ivoire’s highest judicial authority. Appointed in December 2018 after elevation to the rank of “Magistrat hors hiérarchie,” he also serves as Technical Advisor to the President, demonstrating his dual expertise in judicial and executive advisory roles. Prior to his current position, he acted as Special Advisor to then-President Laurent Gbagbo, focusing on religious affairs and traditions where he advised on matters concerning religious institutions and their interaction with the state. Justice Ziki Sébastien has actively participated in discussions on electoral processes and institutional reforms, emphasising fairness and transparency in democratic governance. He has contributed significantly to judicial reform initiatives and the complex intersection of law and religion in Côte d’Ivoire’s legal system, bringing unique insights to contemporary legal challenges.