President John Dramani Mahama has called on African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to do so “without delay,” underlining the critical role of human rights protection across the continent.
He made the appeal on Monday, March 2, during the opening of the 2026 judicial year of the Court in Arusha, Tanzania.
Addressing concerns from countries hesitant about the Court’s jurisdiction, President Mahama reassured them, saying they “have nothing to fear” from the institution. He also urged all African nations, as well as individuals, to respect and implement the Court’s rulings in good faith and to make the declaration granting individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) direct access to the Court.
Drawing on personal experience, President Mahama recounted the political struggles of his father, who was detained after advising the Head of State and later spent 13 years in exile following a coup. He noted that while his father faced hardship, countless others across Africa have endured even greater injustice and violations of their rights and dignity.
“Many individuals have endured significant hardship throughout their lives. The Lumumbas, Mondlanes, Sankaras, Cabrals, Prempehs, Yaa Asantewas, Kabalegas, Nujomas, Mandelas, and Bikos are all recognised as martyrs of the African revolution,” he said, highlighting the continent’s enduring struggle for justice and human rights.
President Mahama further stressed that the African Court could have played a pivotal role in adjudicating many historic cases of abuse, had it existed earlier. “Had the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights existed in the past, these grave instances of human rights abuse and injustice would have been important cases to adjudicate,” he noted.
By encouraging ratification of the Protocol and the declaration allowing direct access, President Mahama emphasised that Africa can prevent the recurrence of past injustices and strengthen the protection of its citizens’ rights and dignity.