Mahama opens 2026 Judicial Year of African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

President John Dramani Mahama officially opened the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania, under the theme “20 years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights.”

Alongside President Mahama, the President of the African Court and key stakeholders from the judicial system, including officials from the African Union Commission, took part in launching the Court’s 20th Anniversary celebrations.

The event also serves as the lead-in to the Fourth International Human Rights Forum, which brings together the African Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Forum is scheduled to take place from March 3–4, 2026, in Arusha and provides a biennial platform for the courts to share experiences, strengthen cooperation, and address common challenges and emerging human rights issues, according to an African Court document obtained by Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult).

The opening ceremony and anniversary launch were attended by representatives from African Union Member States, national, regional, and international courts, AU organs, national human rights institutions, legal professionals, bar associations, civil society organisations, academia, and media stakeholders engaged in human rights work across the continent.

A solemn procession of the African Court judges marked the commencement of the Court’s 80th Ordinary Session, scheduled to run from March 2 to 27 in Arusha. The Court will deliver six judgements on Friday, March 6, 2026, stemming from cases heard during its 78th and 79th Ordinary Sessions.

The African Court adopted a hybrid model for the ceremonies and delivery of judgements, allowing participants to attend either physically or virtually.

Established by African Union Member States, the African Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, based in Banjul, The Gambia. It is composed of eleven judges, elected in their individual capacity, who meet four times a year in ordinary sessions and may convene extraordinary sessions when required.

Each year, the African Court begins its judicial calendar with a solemn ceremony to signal its commitment to upholding human and peoples’ rights across Africa. This year, the 20th Anniversary celebrations mark two decades of the Court’s work from 2006 to 2026. Commemorative activities are planned throughout the year across the continent, reflecting on the Court’s journey and its ongoing mission to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Africans.

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