The Democratic Governance Roadshow. “Promoting good governance, human rights and justice in Africa.” September 2023 – September 2024.

Event

Sep 1, 2023 - 00:00 - Sep 1, 2024 - 00:00

The African Union Democratic Governance Roadshow seeks to “promote good governance, human rights and justice in Africa.” The campaign will highlight the impact-driven work undertaken by six African Union organs to consolidate democratic institutions, protect human and people’s rights and ensure justice for all in Africa.

Through an interactive and dynamic digital journey which feature Heads of Organs, political leaders, experts and citizens, the campaign will bring to light 6 organs that play a pivotal role in promoting democratic governance, human rights, and citizen engagement in Africa.

Since their inception, organs have dedicated their efforts in advancing the above thematic areas that are crucial for the future of the continent. These Organs include:

The African Peer Review Mechanism,   The Pan-African Parliament, The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, The Economic, Social and Cultural Council, The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 

These organs are all members of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Platform. The African Governance Architecture is inspired by the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU) that expresses AU’s determination to ‘promote and protect human and people’s rights, consolidate democratic institutions and culture and ensure good governance and the rule of law’.

As background, the AGA platform - which also includes stakeholders and regional economic communities - is a mechanism for dialogue which translates and implements policies based on AU shared values, in particular the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).

Designed as a digital roadshow, the campaign will present their mandates, their achievements, and the impactful contributions to advance democratic governance, human rights and justice on the African continent.

As Agenda 2063 envisions a continent in which there is a universal culture of good governance, democratic values, respect for human rights and justice, the campaign is also to promote the effective participation of African citizens since their voices and aspirations will be an integral part in shaping the Africa they want.

African artists, influencers, youths, and citizens will be featured in the campaign as they engage on various topics on the role and contribution of the African citizenry in protecting and promoting democracy, governance, justice and rule of law, and human rights. In so doing, their voices will reflect the impact of a citizen’s engagement and participation in shaping Africa’s governance architecture.

Objectives of the campaign

The objectives of the Democratic Governance are to:  

- Improve awareness and visibility of AU organs in promoting good governance, human rights, and justice in Africa.

- Foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of their expertise and the tools and mechanisms that are available to protect African citizens.

- Highlight how organs contribute to advancing good governance and human rights on the continent through concrete case studies, achievements and victories.

- Advance citizen’s engagement and participation in discussions on democratic governance.

Through this campaign, AU and AGA organs seek to showcase the various achievements in advancing governance and human rights in Africa and recommended tangible solutions to the existing and emerging challenges to build a more inclusive, united, and prosperous Africa.

Below is an overview of the six organs which will be featured as part of the Democratic governance Roadshow.

The African Peer Review Mechanism

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a mutually agreed, self-monitoring instrument voluntarily acceded to by the Member States of the African Union. Launched in 2003, the APRM has gained significant recognition and participation from African countries seeking to improve governance practices.

MANDATE. The APRM's mandate revolves around conducting comprehensive country reviews and providing recommendations for improvement. It focuses on four thematic areas: Democracy and Political Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance, and Socio-Economic Development.

It is also a tool for sharing experiences, reinforcing best practices, identifying deficiencies, and assessing capacity-building needs to foster policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration.

ACHIEVEMENTS. APRM achievements include among others,

- Membership and Country Reviews

The APRM has achieved significant membership, with over 43 African countries voluntarily acceding to the mechanism. This high level of participation demonstrates the recognition and commitment of African nations to improving governance and promoting sustainable development. By joining the APRM, countries signal their willingness to undergo a comprehensive country review, a key component of the mechanism's assessment process.

To date, over 30 countries have undergone comprehensive country reviews through the APRM. These reviews involve a thorough self-assessment by the participating country, followed by an assessment conducted by an APRM panel of experts. The process also includes peer review by participating member states, where other African countries analyze and provide feedback on the reviewed country's governance practices.

- Policy Reforms and Implementation

The APRM plays a vital role in influencing policy reforms and their subsequent implementation in participating countries. Through the comprehensive country review process, countries receive specific recommendations for improving governance practices. These recommendations are often aligned with continental and international best practices, serving as a guide for policy reforms and implementation.

- Impact on Member States

The APRM has had a profound impact on strengthening governance systems in participating member states. Through its comprehensive country reviews and subsequent recommendations, the mechanism encourages countries to establish and enhance institutions, mechanisms, and processes that promote accountability and transparency. Each year, APRM publishes The Africa Governance Report to assess the state of governance on the continent and to assists African governments in enhancing good governance.

To learn more about APRM, visit African Peer Review Mechanism - APRM (aprm-au.org)

The Pan-African Parliament

Created in 2004 to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is the legislative body of the African Union. The Parliament is composed of five members per Member State that have ratified the Protocol establishing it, including at least one woman per Member State. The AU Assembly adopted the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union Relating to the Pan-African Parliament during its June 2014 Summit.

MANDATE. The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has a comprehensive mandate that includes representing the aspirations and interests of the African peoples. It serves as a platform for elected members from AU member states to engage in legislative debates, decision-making processes, and policy formulation. With legislative powers, the PAP discusses, debates, and passes resolutions on various AU-related matters, making recommendations for continental integration. The PAP also plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of AU decisions, monitoring member states' compliance, and promoting accountability through oversight visits, engagement with national parliaments. Additionally, the PAP encourages harmonization of laws and policies among member states to ensure coherence and effective implementation of AU decisions.

PAP is composed of 11 committees to address topical African issues and advance them for the greater good wellbeing of African citizens. These include Education, Trade and Custom Matters, Health and Justice and Human Rights. The Committee on Justice and Human Rights assists the Parliament in its role of harmonising and coordinating Member States’ laws. It advocates for respect within the AU of the principles of freedom, civil liberties, justice, human and peoples’ rights, and fundamental rights.

ACHIEVEMENTS. PAP achievements include among others,

-Promotion of the policies and objectives of the African Union:

The Parliament has facilitated the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the African Union by hosting regional meetings throughout the continent. These meetings, attended by parliamentarians, government representatives and civil society, have created awareness and led to the signing and ratification of AU legal instruments.

The Parliament has also been involved in promoting the ratification of various AU legal instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the African Charter on Preventing and Combating Corruption. The advocacy campaigns and benchmarking visits of parliamentary committees have influenced the ratification process of these instruments.

- Promotion of democracy and human rights:

In March 2023, the Parliament launched the Guidelines for Parliamentarians on eliminating harmful practices and other human rights violations. These guidelines aim to provide parliamentarians with a framework for addressing harmful practices and human rights violations. The guidelines include recommendations for legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with civil society organizations to combat harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and human trafficking.

- Impact on Member States

The Parliament collaborates with the African Union Commission and regional economic communities to develop legislative frameworks and policies that support economic growth and development. This includes promoting trade and investment, regional integration, and sustainable development.

In addition to this, it also fosters partnerships with international development organizations, donors, and private sector entities to mobilize resources and expertise for development initiatives. It advocates for increased aid flows, technology transfer, and capacity building to support sustainable development in Africa. To learn more about PAP, visit, Pan-African Parliament (au.int)

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) was established under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC). It draws its mandate from articles 32-46 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which was adopted by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Heads of State and Government on 11 July 1990 and came into force on 29 November 1999.

MANDATE. The Committee serves as a specialized body within the African Union dedicated to ensuring the effective implementation of the Charter. It is also a regional quasi-judicial treaty body which recognizes the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children in Africa and aims to safeguard their welfare by developing concrete guidelines, conducting country visits and issuing decisions to Member States.

ACHIEVEMENTS. ACERWC achievements include among others,

- Implementation of guidelines and recommendations

The organ has played a crucial role in developing guidelines and recommendations which provide practical guidance on various issues related to children's rights and include:

Guidelines on Children Deprived of Liberty, which provide comprehensive guidance on ensuring the rights and well-being of children in detention or other forms of deprivation of liberty,

Guidelines on the Alternative Care of Children, providing guidance to member states on ensuring appropriate care arrangements for children without parental care, including foster care, adoption, and residential care,

Guidelines on Children's Rights and the Internet, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world and offering recommendations to protect children online,

Guidelines on Children's Involvement in Armed Conflict, outlining measures to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts and to support their reintegration into society,

- Country Visits and Engaging in Dialogue:

The ACERWC conducts country visits to assess the situation of children's rights on the ground and engage in direct dialogue with governments and other stakeholders. Country visits have led to tangible improvements in policy and practice.

For instance, following a visit to Sierra Leone in 2017, the committee made recommendations that contributed to the development of a national plan of action on child rights.

During a country visit to Kenya in 2016, the ACERWC engaged with government officials, civil society organizations, and children themselves to assess the situation of child labor and exploitation, resulting in recommendations for strengthening legislative and policy frameworks.

- Issuing Decisions on Cases of Violations:

The ACERWC has the authority to consider complaints and communications regarding violations of children's rights in member states. It issues decisions and recommendations based on its findings, urging member states to take appropriate measures to address the violations. Some notable examples include:

ACERWC's decision in the case of Hadijatou Mani Koraou v. Niger, where it found the state of Niger in violation of the African Charter by failing to protect the applicant from slavery and providing her with appropriate remedies.

In the case of Endorois Welfare Council and Minority Rights Group International v. Kenya, the ACERWC found Kenya in violation of the African Charter by failing to recognize and protect the rights of the Endorois indigenous community and provided recommendations for restitution and compensation.

- Impact on Member States

As of June 2022, 50 AU Member States had ratified the Charter and five were still to ratify: Morocco, Sahrawi Republic, Somalia, South Sudan and Tunisia. (See https://au.int/treaties for the full list)

The committee has conducted over 20 country visits to assess the situation of children's rights across Africa, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, to assess the situation of children's rights and provide recommendations for improvement.

The ACERWC's work has resulted in the development of a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system, enabling member states to regularly report on their progress in implementing the African Charter and addressing challenges in children's rights protection.

To learn more about ACERWC, visit, ACERWC - African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council.

The African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) serves as a key organ through which civil society can contribute to the Union's work.

Established in 2004 under the provisions of the African Union Constitutive Act, ECOSOCC aims to actively engage civil society in the integration and development of Africa. It serves as a bridge between the African Union and various social, private sector, and professional groups in member states and the African diaspora.

MANDATE. ECOSOCC's primary mandate is to facilitate civil society participation in the processes and work of the African Union. The council focuses on various areas, including governance, democracy, human rights, peace, security, and socio-economic development. It provides a platform for CSOs to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to the continent's progress.

ACHIEVEMENTS. ECOSOCC’S achievements include among others,

-Engaging a broad range of CSOs :

ECOSOCC has been successful in engaging a wide array of civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa and the diaspora. By involving over 100,000 CSOs and citizens, ECOSOCC ensures the representation of diverse perspectives and inputs in the African Union's initiatives. This broad engagement enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of the council's work. Examples of CSOs engaged by ECOSOCC include human rights organizations, women's rights groups, youth organizations, environmental NGOs, labor unions, and professional associations.

Annual Citizens Forum:

The Annual Citizens Forum is a significant flagship project of ECOSOCC. It serves as a platform for over 500 CSOs to gather annually and make pronouncements on governance, democracy, peace, and security issues in Africa. This forum facilitates dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices among CSOs. Through the forum, CSOs can collectively address key challenges and provide recommendations for policymakers. For example, the Annual Citizens Forum may focus on topics such as electoral reform, conflict resolution, youth empowerment, and gender equality.

Impact on Member States

ECOSOCC's engagement with member states has had a positive impact, fostering collaboration, and contributing to Africa's development. By providing a platform for CSOs to contribute to the Union's processes, ECOSOCC ensures that diverse voices are heard, leading to more inclusive and informed decision-making. The council's activities also promote good governance, human rights, peace, and security, influencing policies and reforms at the national and continental levels. To learn more about ACERWC, visit ECOSOCC.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) is an international judicial body established to safeguard human rights and promote justice in Africa.

Established in 2006 by the African Union to complement the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, it is the youngest international human rights court in the world, striving to protect the rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The court operates under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

MANDATE. The court's mandate is to interpret and apply the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which covers civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It has the authority to receive cases from individuals, NGOs, and states alleging human rights violations within its jurisdiction.

ACHIEVEMENTS. The African Court’s achievements include among others, The decisions of the AfCHPR have had a significant impact on human rights protection in Africa. They have played a crucial role in various areas, including:

Enhancement of fair trial guarantees:

The AfCHPR has contributed to enhancing fair trial guarantees in Africa through its decisions. In the case of John Kabia and 50 Others v. Sierra Leone, the court addressed the issue of prolonged pretrial detention and the violation of the right to a fair trial. The court emphasized the need for timely and fair judicial proceedings, highlighting the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence and ensuring access to legal representation. This decision has influenced legal reforms and practices to ensure that individuals receive fair treatment within the criminal justice system

Preservation of the rights of indigenous communities:

The AfCHPR has been actively involved in protecting the rights of indigenous communities in Africa. In the case of Endorois Welfare Council v. Kenya, the court recognized the land rights of the Endorois indigenous community and held that their eviction from their ancestral lands without proper consultation and compensation amounted to a violation of their rights. This landmark decision has had significant implications for indigenous communities across Africa, highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting their rights to land, culture, and self-determination.

Protection of journalists and freedom of the press:

The AfCHPR has made significant contributions to protecting journalists and promoting freedom of the press in Africa. For instance, in the case of Lohé Issa Konaté v. Burkina Faso, the court ruled in favor of journalist Lohé Issa Konaté, who had been imprisoned for publishing articles critical of a public prosecutor. The court's decision emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and the media's role in democratic societies, setting a precedent for the protection of journalists' rights and press freedom across Africa.

To learn more about the African Court, visit, Home - African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (african-court.org)

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

The African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) is a regional body established to promote and protect human rights on the African continent. It was created under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, also known as the Banjul Charter, which came into force on October 21, 1986. The ACHPR operates within the framework of the African Union (AU) and serves as a crucial instrument in ensuring that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled throughout the African continent.

MANDATE. The primary mandate of the ACHPR is to promote and protect human and peoples' rights in Africa. This mandate encompasses civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The ACHPR has the authority to examine state reports on human rights, receive individual and inter-state complaints, conduct fact-finding missions, and issue recommendations to member states. It also works towards the development and interpretation of human rights standards through the elaboration of general comments and guidelines.

ACHIEVEMENTS. ACHPR’s achievements include among others,

Strengthened Accountability

The ACHPR's monitoring and reporting mechanisms have enhanced accountability among member states regarding their human rights obligations. For example, in Nigeria the ACHPR's review of Nigeria's compliance with the African Charter led to increased accountability in addressing extrajudicial killings and police brutality. The government established judicial panels of inquiry to investigate cases and provided reparations to victims. Similarly, the ACHPR's engagement with The Gambia resulted in increased accountability for past human rights violations. The government established the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate and address human rights abuses committed under previous regimes.

Enhanced Human Rights Awareness:

The ACHPR's public awareness campaigns and initiatives have contributed to raising awareness about human rights among various stakeholders. In Burkina Faso, the ACHPR collaborated with civil society organizations to organize awareness campaigns on women's rights and gender equality. These campaigns aimed to educate communities about the importance of gender equality and combat harmful practices such as female genital mutilation. While in Kenya the ACHPR partnered with local human rights organizations to conduct training programs and workshops on human rights for government officials, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups. These initiatives aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of human rights principles and standards.

Impact on Member States

The ACHPR's efforts have influenced member states to undertake legal reforms to align their domestic laws with regional human rights standards. For instance, South Africa in response to the ACHPR's recommendations, South Africa introduced the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act in 2000. This law aimed to combat discrimination and promote equality, aligning with the principles enshrined in the African Charter. Uganda, following recommendations from the ACHPR, Uganda enacted the Domestic Violence Act in 2010. The law provided comprehensive legal protections for victims of domestic violence, including measures for prevention, protection, and remedies.

To learn more about the Commission, visit, Welcome (au.int)

References and Resources

The AU has ensured that various treaties and policies are put in place to ensure good governance as well as the protection of civil liberties and the preservation of rights of African citizens. AU treaties on the right of persons include:

For further inquiries, please contact: Ms. Makda Mikre Tessema: Democracy and Governance Expert: African Governance Architecture MakdaM@africa-union.org Ms. Doreen Apollos, Information and Communication Directorate: ApollosD@africa-union.org

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