RESPECT AND IMPLEMENT AFRICAN COURT JUDGMENTS IN GOOD FAITH – President Mahama Urges Member States

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to respect and implement the judgments of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in good faith.
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Speaking on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Court’s inauguration of the 2026 Judicial Year in Arusha, Tanzania, President Mahama also asked member states to provide the necessary declaration that would grant people and non-governmental organizations direct access to the Court.

‎‎“I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgments in good faith and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to this Court,” he stated.
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The President stated that the 55 countries of Africa are interconnected and must cooperate to defend the rights and dignity of their citizens. He asserts that injustice committed against an individual has an impact on families, communities, and even countries.

He pointed out that the African Court has demonstrated bravery and dedication in defending human rights throughout the continent during the previous 20 years. He emphasized that the Court needs to be given the authority to keep defending the common goals and values of Africa.
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Additionally, President Mahama urged African Union members who have not yet ratified the Court’s protocol to do so right away.

He reassured his other heads of state that a court that defends justice, accountability, and the rule of law poses no threat to them.
He underlined that Africa’s people and cultural legacy are its greatest inheritance rather than its natural resources.

He claimed that safeguarding citizens’ rights, liberties, and dignity will contribute to securing the future of the continent, particularly given the continent’s continued high population growth.

Additionally, the President urged both citizens and leaders to support robust institutions that advance human rights and justice throughout the continent.

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