Arusha, 03 March 2026: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has opened its 2026 Judicial Year with a renewed call for African Union Member States to deepen their commitment to justice, ratify the Protocol establishing the Court and fully implement its judgments in good faith, as the Court marks 20 years of protecting human and peoples’ rights across the continent.
The ceremony was held under the theme “20 years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights,” marking the Court’s 20th Anniversary and reflecting on two decades of advancing justice across the continent.
The ceremony took place at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania and was graced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Guest of Honour.
The event opened with President Mahama touring an exhibition reflecting on the Court’s 20-year journey highlighting its historical progression, landmark cases and engagement initiatives, development of the new premises of the Court and showcasing the revamped website as well as the Court’s forthcoming e-library platform.
In his keynote address, President Mahama opened with a deeply personal reflection on his father’s detention following political upheavals in Ghana. Drawing from his childhood memories, he underscored how injustice affects not only individuals but entire families and communities, shaping his enduring commitment to justice, due process and the rule of law.
“Although I stand before you as a Head of State, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader. The effects of social injustice and human rights violations extend beyond individuals; they impact entire families and communities.” he said.
President Mahama made a strong appeal to African Union Member States that have not yet ratified the Protocol to the African Charter establishing the Court. He urged full cooperation with the Court’s mandate, including implementation of judgments and acceptance of direct access for individuals and NGOs.
“I call upon African Union member states who have not yet ratified the Protocol to please do so without delay. I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court.” he said.
President Mahama encouraged African Union Member States to engage confidently with the Court, noting that there is nothing to fear in appearing before it, as a judicial body established to protect human rights.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the Court’s 20th Anniversary as a historic milestone, noting that twenty years of work have translated the promise of justice into real protection for Africans. She stressed that the anniversary must also be a moment of reflection and renewed commitment on how to strengthen the Court’s impact going forward.
She further posed critical questions to guide the Court’s future direction and collaboration with Member States:
“How can the Court adapt to ensure it remains accessible to the most vulnerable? How can we, as the AUC and Member States, strengthen our collaboration to ensure its judgments are truly transformative?” she asked.
On his part, President of the African Court Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya highlighted the Court’s growing impact on continental jurisprudence and access to justice, stating that since its establishment in 2006, the Court has handled over 370 cases and has contributed meaningfully to strengthening electoral standards, protecting vulnerable groups and advancing the right to life, dignity and political participation across Africa.
He acknowledged that limited ratification and low public awareness continue to hinder broader access to the Court and expressed hope that greater engagement by Member States would enhance its impact.
“In twenty years, the Court has strengthened the protection of fundamental rights across Africa and expanded access to justice for many who would otherwise have none. To build on this progress, we need greater ratification of the Protocol, stronger implementation of our judgments and wider public awareness of the Court’s role.” he said.
In his goodwill message, Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union, observed that in an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by rising conflicts and weakening multilateral systems, Africa must strengthen its own institutions, noting the African Court’s crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights across the continent.
“The African Court then becomes even more vital. It must anchor our continent within a rules-based system grounded in African values…The next phase of the Court’s journey should be marked by an expanded reach and a deeper, more tangible impact on the lives of African peoples,” he said.
The ceremony also saw the launch of the Court’s revamped website, www.african-court.org which features enhanced functionalities and full alignment with African Union brand guidelines, reflecting the Court’s status as an organ of the African Union.
The Solemn Ceremony brought together representatives of African Union Member States, national, regional and international, Courts, African Union organs national human rights institutions, legal professionals, members of Bar Associations, civil society organisations, members of the academia, members of the press and other stakeholders involved in the work of the Court.
The event further marked the commencement of the 80th Ordinary Session of the Court, scheduled to run from 2 to 27 March 2026 at its Seat in Arusha.
As part of the Session, the Court is hosting the 4th International Human Rights Forum, bringing together the Court, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to strengthen cooperation and deepen dialogue on shared human rights challenges.
Following the official launch of the Court’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, various outreach and awareness activities will be rolled out throughout the year across the continent and in collaboration with various stakeholders.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is a continental court established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. The Court is an organ of the African Union and it complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights which is based in Banjul, The Gambia.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.
- Each year, the Court launches its activities with a solemn ceremony to official opening of its judicial year, underscoring its commitment to the protection of human and peoples’ rights across Africa and beyond. The opening sets the tone for the year ahead and serves as a call to action for meaningful strides in safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Africans.
- The Court is commemorating its 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of its journey from 2006 to 2026 in the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. Commemorative activities will take place throughout the year across the continent.
Furtherinformation on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org Telephone: +255 272 510 510
For further inquiries: Ms Grace Wakio Kakai, Deputy Registrar – Registrar@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Ms Chipiliro Kansilanga Ngue, Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit – Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
