Professor James Mouangue Kobila played an active role in the 1st China-Africa Human Rights Seminar, held on 21 and 22 August 2025 in Addis Ababa

The President of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and Vice-President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), Professor James Mouangue Kobila, played an active role in the 1st China-Africa Human Rights Seminar, held on 21 and 22 August 2025 in Addis Ababa.

On this occasion, he delivered two major communications :

• On 21 August, during the Readers’ Meeting of President Xi Jinping’s book on respecting and Protecting Human Rights, on “Endogenous Approaches and strategic partnerships for sustainable poverty reduction : The Cameroonian Experience through The Lens of China-Africa Cooperation and Obligations in the Field of Economic, Social And Cultural Rights.”

• On 22 August, at the core of the Seminar, on “The Experience of the Cameroon Human rghts Commission and the Doctrine of President Xi Jinping.” In this second presentation, Professor Mouangue Kobila not only showcased the experience of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission but also introduced an innovative conceptual contribution by coining the notion of “root-right” to characterise the right to identity and the right to education. He argued that these rights are foundational, in that they enable and structure the effective exercise of all other human rights.

Both communications highlighted Cameroon’s national experience, emphasised the importance of China-Africa strategic partnerships, and underscored the convergences between African and Chinese approaches to human rights governance.

In addition, Professor Mouangue Kobila successfully chaired the 3rd Sub-Forum, dedicated to International Solidarity and Cooperation, Realisation of the Right to Development. His distinctive approach consisted of delivering a succinct and captivating introduction of each of the 13 speakers, followed by an analytical synthesis after every presentation. This methodical and engaging style impressed participants and contributed significantly to the depth and quality of the discussions.

One week after the Seminar, the Secretariat of the Seminar addressed a letter of congratulations to Professor Mouangue Kobila, expressing the organisers’ gratitude for his participation and contributions. The letter further underlined that the exchanges and connections established in Addis Ababa are viewed as a catalyst for future cooperation between China and Africa in the field of human rights.

C.P.