THE PRESIDENT OF THE AFRICAN COURT ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS GRANTED AN AUDIENCE TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CHRC : the two parties concluded the meeting by agreeing on several priority actions aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the African Court and NHRIs, notably through the organisation of a capacity-building session for NHRIs with the support of the African Institute of International Law

        5 March 2026

     Professor Blaise Tchikaya, President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACrHPR), granted an audience to Professor James Mouangue Kobila, Chairperson of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), on 5 March 2026 in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.

The meeting followed Professor Mouangue Kobila’s participation in the Solemn Opening Ceremony of the Court, held on 2 March 2026 at the Court’s headquarters. The ceremony marked the opening of the Judicial Year and the launch of activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of the institution. His Excellency John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and guest of honour, was in attendance.

During the audience, President Blaise Tchikaya was accompanied by the Deputy Registrar, Ms Grace Wakio Kakai, his Personal Assistant and the Officer responsible for relations with National Human Rights Institutions. Professor Mathias Sahinkuye, Programme Manager at the African Institute of International Law (AIIL), also attended the audience.

Discussions focused primarily on the status of implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 4 June 2024 between NANHRI and the African Court. On this occasion, the Chairperson of NANHRI highlighted several tangible developments, including the invitations extended by the Court to NANHRI to intervene as amicus curiae in two pending cases, the provision to the Court of information and documentary resources from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) concerning their respective countries, as well as the strengthening of communication channels and opportunities for dialogue between the two institutions.

The Chairperson of NANHRI also underscored the designation, within NHRIs, of focal points dedicated to African mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights. He took the opportunity to formally present to the President of the African Court the updated list of NHRI focal points, together with the 2025 Compendium of Statements and Press releases of the CHRC.

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