African Commission on Human Rights session in Senegal

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights convened its 89th ordinary session in Dakar, Senegal, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

During the proceedings, civil society representatives from approximately 37 countries called for an independent international investigation into allegations that Sudan’s military used chemical weapons during its civil war. These groups urged Sudanese authorities to provide the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) with unrestricted access to suspected facilities and stockpiles.

In addition to the situation in Sudan, human rights defenders raised concerns regarding the shrinking of civic space across Africa. Discussions highlighted the restriction of freedom of expression, the targeting of journalists and activists, and the rise of transnational repression, particularly in Sahelian countries where authorities have cited national security and disinformation as justifications for suspending media outlets and prosecuting activists. Specific violations were noted in Guinea, Cameroon, and Zambia.