Tanzanie
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to officially open the 2026 judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) in Arusha on March 2, 2026. This event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Court's establishment and is expected to address Tanzania's potential re-engagement with the Court's jurisdiction.
The ceremony will bring together judges, legal practitioners, diplomats, representatives of African Union member states, and human rights stakeholders. It marks the launch of activities commemorating two decades dedicated to advancing human rights protection across the continent.
In 2019, Tanzania withdrew from Article 34(6) of the Court’s Protocol, which allows individuals and non-governmental organizations to file cases directly against the government. This withdrawal limited direct access to the Court for Tanzanian citizens seeking redress for human rights violations.
During the event, discussions are anticipated regarding Tanzania's potential re-engagement with the AfCHPR. Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Zainab Katimba, has indicated that internal deliberations are underway to address the challenges that led to the withdrawal and to consider reinstating the declaration under Article 34(6).
Rejoining the AfCHPR under Article 34(6) would signify Tanzania's renewed commitment to human rights and provide citizens with a direct avenue to seek justice for violations. This development has been welcomed by human rights stakeholders across Africa, who view it as a positive step toward strengthening access to justice and reinforcing human rights protections on the continent.
For more detailed information, refer to the original article on The Citizen: All eyes on Samia as African Court opens judicial year in Arusha.
