Arusha, Tanzania The United Republic of Tanzania has reiterated its firm commitment to strengthening the African human rights system as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) officially opened its 2026 Judicial Year during a solemn ceremony held in Arusha.
The Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Zainab Athumani Katimba, described Tanzania’s role as Host State as “a profound privilege” and reaffirmed the Government’s enduring support for the Court’s mandate.
The ceremony was graced by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who attended as Guest of Honour, alongside the President of the Court, Honourable Judge Blaise Tchikaya, Vice President Lady Justice Bensaoula Chafika, representatives of African Union institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, and members of the press.
Conveying “warm and fraternal greetings” from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Katimba welcomed delegates from across the continent, noting that their presence reflected the high esteem in which the Court is held and the shared commitment to advancing justice in Africa.
“The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has a noble mandate: to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights across our Continent,” Katimba stated, congratulating the Court on its twentieth anniversary.
She observed that over the past two decades, the Court has demonstrated “dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment,” ensuring meaningful access to justice at regional and international levels. She further noted that the institution has contributed significantly to the vision of “African Solutions to African Problems” by strengthening an adjudicatory system that bridges diverse legal traditions and advances justice across Member States.
Acknowledging existing challenges — including hesitancy by some States to accede to the Court’s jurisdiction, withdrawals of declarations under Article 34(6) of the Protocol, and non-implementation of certain judgments — Katimba emphasized that the Court has nonetheless “remained steadfast in its resolve and consistent in its jurisprudential development,” navigating complex legal and political landscapes with “prudence, integrity, and professionalism.”
“The strength of the African Court ultimately reflects our collective commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and human dignity,” she said.
Katimba highlighted Tanzania’s longstanding engagement with the Court since its establishment in 2006, describing the relationship as one characterised by sustained cooperation and mutual respect. She pointed to domestic legal reforms influenced by the Court’s jurisprudence, including developments following *Alex Thomas v. Tanzania* that contributed to the enactment of the Legal Aid Act, as well as judicial reasoning referenced in *Attorney General v. Dickson Paulo Sanga* drawing from *Anaclet Paulo v. Tanzania*.
She further affirmed that Tanzania remains engaged in “constructive dialogue with the Court on matters relating to access under Article 34(6) of the Protocol,” describing the dialogue as part of efforts to strengthen mutual confidence, institutional effectiveness, and the broader aspiration for justice and accountability across the continent.
Under the theme, *“20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa,”* Katimba described the anniversary as a timely opportunity to reflect on the Court’s journey, celebrate its milestones, and draw lessons to guide its future direction.
“As this Court marks this important milestone, may the coming decades further consolidate its noble mandate as a steadfast guardian of human and peoples’ rights and as an enduring beacon of Africa’s justice, dignity, and moral authority,” she concluded.
The ceremony formally marked the commencement of the 2026 Judicial Year of the AfCHPR, reinforcing Africa’s collective resolve to uphold justice, constitutionalism, and the protection of human rights across the continent.
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