Africa: African Court Clears 29 Human Rights Cases

What the report says

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights said it dealt with 29 legal matters during its 82nd Ordinary Session, held at its seat in Arusha, Tanzania, between August 31 and September 25. According to the court, the session produced six rulings and 14 compliance reviews, while judges also examined nine other cases at different stages.

Court President Justice Blaise Tchikaya opened the session by stressing the need for close coordination between judges and the Registry so the court could complete its work within the planned four weeks. The matters before the court included cases involving individuals against Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger and Malawi, reflecting the court’s broader role in reviewing whether African Union member states have met obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The session also formed part of the court’s 20th anniversary activities, alongside preparations for a colloquium and judicial dialogues involving African legal leaders. Separately, the court said its permanent headquarters at Laki-Laki Hills in Arusha is nearing completion after years in temporary premises, with relocation now expected in early 2027. The building project has received funding support from the Tanzanian government, and the move is likely to be an important milestone for an institution that began operations in 2006 and later settled in Arusha as its permanent seat.