African nations told to prioritise rights

ARUSHA: AFRICAN countries have been urged to prioritise the rights and dignity of their people over the mere exploitation of resources, as violations of human rights affect more than just individuals.

They were also encouraged to ratify the treaty establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), allowing citizens to access the court directly.

The message was delivered by the President of Ghana, John Mahama during the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the AfCHPR and the launch of the court’s 20th-anniversary celebrations in Arusha yesterday.

President Mahama said that African countries must collaborate to protect human rights and dignity through the African Court, while strengthening domestic legal systems in each member state and across the continent.

He noted that Africa is rich in resources, such as minerals and therefore, governments should prioritise protecting people’s rights and dignity rather than focusing solely on resource exploitation.

“Let us support the African Court because this institution helps safeguard people’s rights. Across Africa, courts often lack independence; there is a decline in the rule of law, freedom of expression and public trust in governments,” President Mahama said.

He stressed that the time has come for Africa to reflect on where it has failed in protecting human rights, so that over the next 20 years, the continent can stand tall as a global model in human rights protection and promotion.

He also called on African countries and citizens to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith and to allow individuals and non-governmental organisations to access the court directly.

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Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Deputy Minister Zainab Katimba said the African Court has made a significant contribution to the vision of “African Solutions to African Problems” by strengthening a justice system that integrates diverse legal traditions across Africa and promotes rights for all.

She said that over the past two decades, the Court has navigated legal, political and institutional challenges with wisdom, integrity and professionalism, maintaining human rights standards across the continent and strengthening the rule of law in member states.

“Tanzania remains committed to strengthening Africa’s human rights system. Our engagement reflects not only responsibility but also a firm belief that justice, accountability and constitutional governance are essential pillars for lasting peace and sustainable development in Africa,” Katimba said.

She added “Tanzania’s relationship with the African Court began with its establishment in 2006 and has since been built on sustained cooperation and mutual respect.”

According to her, the Court’s 20th anniversary provides an opportunity to acknowledge Tanzania’s role in its processes, which has contributed to the development of its legal culture and the broader human rights standards across the continent.

“In this context, Tanzania has implemented some of the African Court’s decisions by integrating aspects of its legal traditions into domestic judicial practice and contributing to ongoing legal and institutional reforms,” she said.