By Sukhdev Chhatbar
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights will next week mark 20 years since its establishment, commemorating two decades of continental human rights adjudication at its seat in Arusha.
Established in 2006 under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court was created to complement and reinforce the mandate of the African Commission by issuing binding judgments on human rights violations committed by member states.
Over the past two decades, it has developed a growing body of jurisprudence on fair trial guarantees, electoral justice, freedom of expression, political participation and reparations for victims of state abuse. Its decisions have increasingly influenced constitutional interpretation and human rights litigation across several African countries.
The anniversary celebrations will coincide with the court’s 80th Ordinary Session and the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year on March 2, 2026, drawing high-level delegations from African Union (AU) member states, regional and international courts, bar associations, national human rights institutions and civil society organisations.
The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, is expected to attend as Guest of Honour and keynote speaker at the anniversary to be held at the court’s premises in Arusha.
As part of the pre-anniversary programme, the Coalition for an Effective African Court (African Court Coalition) has organised a Stakeholders’ Platform in Arusha on the Margins of the 80th Ordinary Session of the African Court, this week Thursday.
According to the Coordinator of the Coalition, Ms Sophia Ebby, over the past 20 years, the Coalition has been actively involved in the advocacy and awareness campaigns for the African Court and its mandate. The Stakeholders’ Platform is thus an opportunity for stakeholders of the African Court to strategise on the ways to enhance access, efficiency and visibility of the African Court.
The 20-year milestone comes at a critical moment for the continental human rights system, as discussions continue around ratification of the Court’s Protocol and declarations allowing direct access by individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGO).
Observers say the anniversary offers both a celebration of the court’s achievements and an opportunity to renew collective efforts to strengthen judicial accountability, rule of law and protection of human rights across Africa.
