Opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and launch of the 20th anniversary commemoration at the 80th Ordinary Session of the African Court: 2 – 6 February 2026

Arusha, 26 February 2026: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) will on Monday, 2 March 2026 hold a Solemn Ceremony to mark the opening of its 2026 Judicial Year, under the theme “20 years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights”.

The Ceremony will take place at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from 09:30 AM East African Time (EAT) and will be graced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, who is the Guest of Honour.

The Opening of the Judicial Year will also serve as the platform to officially launch the Court’s 20^th Anniversary celebrations, whose activities will be rolled out throughout the year across the continent and in collaboration with various stakeholders.

The Session will host the Fourth International Human Rights Forum, between the African Court, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, scheduled to take place from 3-4 March 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Forum serves as a biennial platform for the three human rights Courts to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and deepen dialogue on common challenges and emerging human rights issues.

The Solemn Ceremony and the launch of the 20^th Anniversary Commemorations will bring together representatives of African Union Member States, national, regional and international, Courts, African Union organs, national human rights institutions, legal professionals, and members of Bar Associations.

Additionally, civil society organisations, members of the academia, members of the press and other stakeholders involved in the work of the Court and the protection of human rights on the continent are expected to participate.

The Ceremony which will commence with a solemn procession of the Honourable Judges of the African Court, will also mark the commencement of the 80^th Ordinary Session of the Court, scheduled to run from 2 to 27 March 2026 at its Seat in Arusha, Tanzania.

On Friday, 6 March 2026, the Court will deliver six (6) judgments, adopted during its 78^th and 79^th Ordinary Session, starting at 10:00 AM East African Time.

The Solemn Ceremony, the Launch of the 20^th Anniversary and the Delivery of Judgments will adopt a hybrid model, allowing participants to follow the proceedings physically or virtually via the following links:

YouTube Channel

English Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfricanCourtEnglishChannel  
French Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@courafricaine
Swahili Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MahakamaYaAfrika

Zoom Platform

https://zoom.us/j/93858265048
Passcode: 459334

For zoom platform, there will be simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Kiswahili.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The Court is commemorating its 20^th 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.

Further information 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