African Court has contributed meaningfully to strengthening electoral standards — Justice Blaise Tchikaya

Justice Blaise Tchikaya, President of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, has noted that the Court over the past 20 years has contributed meaningfully to strengthening electoral standards, protecting vulnerable groups and advancing the right to life, dignity and political participation across Africa.

He noted that this affirms 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.

Justice Tchikaya, however, expressed concern that limited ratification and low public awareness continue to hinder broader access to the Court and expressed hope that greater engagement by AU Member States would enhance its impact.

African Court President stated this at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court at Arusha, Tanzania, on Monday, March 2nd. The 2026 Judicial Year is on the theme "20 years of service in protecting human and people's rights".

The African Court is a continental court established by African Union member states to ensure the protection of human and people's rights in Africa. The African 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.

Justice Tchikaya noted, "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 judgements and wider public awareness of the Court’s role.”

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.

He stressed 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, 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.