The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has commenced a preparatory mission in Dakar, Senegal, ahead of the NGOs Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), scheduled for 8–10 October 2026.
The ACDHRS delegation arrived in Dakar on 26 August 2026 and is undertaking a series of strategic engagements with key institutions and stakeholders to support preparations for the Forum and strengthen collaboration ahead of the October gathering.
The delegation is led by Prof. Mabassa Fall, Vice Chairperson of the ACDHRS Governing Council, and includes Mrs. Hannah Forster, Executive Director of ACDHRS; Mr. Sadikh Niass, Member of the ACDHRS Advisory Committee; Ms. Ellen Ann, Programmes Officer; Mr. Pa Modou Cham, Information and Communication Officer; and Ms. Bator Seck, representative of RFLD, an ACDHRS partner organisation.
Engagements in Dakar
On 27 August, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Hon. Commissioner Idrissa Sow, at his office in Dakar.
The meeting provided an opportunity to brief the Chairperson on preparations for the October NGOs Forum, discuss the expected participation of civil society organisations from across Africa and explore areas of cooperation in the lead-up to the 89th Ordinary Session of the Commission.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of strengthening the connection between the Forum and the work of the African Commission, while seeking continued institutional cooperation to ensure meaningful civil society participation in the African human rights system.
The delegation subsequently held a meeting with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) at its office in Dakar.
Discussions with UNOWAS focused on the role of civil society in advancing human rights, peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the importance of strengthening collaboration between regional institutions and civil society organisations.
The meeting also reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between UNOWAS, ACDHRS and the NGOs Forum. UNOWAS expressed its continued willingness to support the Forum within its available capacity and highlighted the importance of civil society engagement in efforts to promote human rights, peace and stability across the region.
Building Partnerships Ahead of October
The Dakar mission is part of ACDHRS’s broader efforts to ensure that the October NGOs Forum is inclusive, well-coordinated and responsive to the priorities of civil society and the African human rights system.
Beyond institutional engagements, the delegation is expected to meet with Senegalese authorities, civil society organisations, media institutions and other relevant stakeholders during its stay in Dakar.
These engagements are intended to strengthen local partnerships, promote awareness of the African Commission and its work, and encourage broader participation in the October Forum and the subsequent 89th Ordinary Session.
With more than 200 participants already registered, the Forum is expected to bring together over 200 participants from across Africa and beyond.
The ACDHRS delegation is expected to remain in Senegal until 1 September 2026, during which time it will continue consultations and preparatory engagements with stakeholders.
Through this mission, ACDHRS is working to build stronger partnerships and ensure that the voices of civil society remain central to discussions on human rights, democracy, civic space, peace and accountability on the continent.
