The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has concluded a six-day preparatory mission in Dakar, Senegal, undertaken from 26 August to 1 September 2026, as preparations advance for the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), scheduled for 8–10 October 2026 in Dakar.
The mission brought together engagements with key African and Senegalese human rights institutions, government authorities, civil society organisations, justice-sector actors and media institutions. The consultations focused on strengthening partnerships, promoting meaningful civil society participation and building wider awareness of the October Forum and the African human rights system.
Full Delegation
The delegation was led by Prof. Mabassa Fall, Vice Chairperson of the ACDHRS Governing Council, and comprised 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. Bathor Seck, representative of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), an ACDHRS partner organisation.
Engagement with African and International Institutions
The mission commenced with a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Mr. Idrissa Sow. The delegation briefed him on preparations for the Forum, its expected participation and the importance of maintaining a strong connection between the NGO Forum and the work of the African Commission. The engagement also highlighted the need for continued institutional cooperation to strengthen civil society participation in the African human rights system.
The delegation subsequently met with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Discussions focused on the role of civil society in promoting human rights, peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. The engagement reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between UNOWAS, ACDHRS and the NGOs Forum, as well as the importance of connecting human rights, civic participation and regional peace and security.
Strengthening Senegalese Human Rights Partnerships
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to Senegal’s National Human Rights Commission, where it met with its President, Prof. Amsatou Sow Sidibé. The delegation presented the objectives of the October Forum and discussed opportunities for stronger collaboration and meaningful participation by Senegalese stakeholders.
ACDHRS also engaged NGO 3D, led by Mr. Moundiaye Cissé, as part of efforts to connect with Senegalese civil society and encourage local organisations to participate actively in the October Forum. Discussions emphasised the Forum’s role as a space for civil society to assess human rights developments, identify emerging concerns and develop recommendations for engagement with the African Commission.
Another important engagement was held with Mr. Alioune Tine, Founder and President of Afrikajom Center. The discussion formed part of ACDHRS’s wider consultations with prominent Senegalese civil society actors and focused on preparations for the October Forum and strengthening civil society participation in the African human rights system.
Engaging Senegalese Media
Recognising the important role of the media in making human rights issues accessible to the public, ACDHRS held consultations with several leading Senegalese media institutions.
The delegation met with Mr. Bougane Gueye Dany, Proprietor of SenTV and Zik FM, to explore media collaboration and promote public awareness of the October Forum. The engagement highlighted the importance of using television and radio to bring the work of the African Commission and the African Charter closer to citizens.
The delegation also engaged RTS, represented by Mr. Khaly Seck and colleagues, to explore opportunities for public awareness and coverage of the Forum and related human rights activities.
Engagements continued with West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), further expanding opportunities for regional media coverage and public discussion around the October activities.
On the fifth day, ACDHRS met with ITV and Radio, represented by Mr. Momodou Sey. The station expressed its readiness to support visibility for the Forum, including opportunities for ACDHRS representatives and Forum stakeholders to participate in media programmes ahead of October.
Government Support for the October Forum
A key component of the mission was engagement with the Ministry of Justice of Senegal.
The delegation met with Senegal’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Me Moussa Sarr, and briefed him on preparations for the Forum and the significance of Senegal hosting the continental gathering. Discussions included the importance of facilitating participation by international delegates and strengthening cooperation between Senegalese institutions and civil society.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government of Senegal’s readiness to support the organisation of the Forum and underscored the importance of continued efforts to promote and protect human rights across the continent.
The delegation also met with the Directorate of Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice, where it was welcomed by Mr. Adama Ndiaye and colleagues. The Directorate expressed its willingness to support the successful delivery of the October Forum and to continue cooperation with ACDHRS around the wider human rights activities taking place in Dakar.
OHCHR Support
The mission also included an important engagement with the OHCHR West Africa Regional Office (WARO).
During the meeting, ACDHRS presented the objectives and significance of the NGOs Forum and discussed the importance of partnerships in ensuring meaningful civil society participation in the African human rights system.
A key outcome was OHCHR WARO’s commitment to provide financial support towards the organisation of the Forum. OHCHR also indicated its willingness to explore additional support and logistical assistance, including transportation, as preparations continue.
Justice-Sector Engagements
The final day of the mission focused on further strengthening links with Senegal’s justice sector.
ACDHRS engaged Avocats Sans Frontières (Advocates Without Borders) on preparations for the Forum and the importance of stronger collaboration among human rights organisations and justice-sector actors.
The delegation subsequently met with the Association of Senegalese Judges, where discussions focused on the role of judicial institutions, civil society and regional human rights mechanisms in strengthening human rights protection and accountability.
These engagements reinforced the importance of connecting civil society with national justice institutions and other actors within the African human rights system.
Preparing Dakar to Host the Forum
Beyond stakeholder consultations, the mission included assessments of potential facilities for the October activities, including King Fahd Palace, Ngor Jaraama, Yass Hotel, Residence Hotel, L’Address Hotel, Fluer de Lys and Sama Hotel. These visits formed part of efforts to identify suitable arrangements for participants and Forum activities.
Building Momentum Towards October
The six-day mission provided ACDHRS with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with a broad range of Senegalese and international partners and to build wider awareness and support for the October NGO Forum.
The Forum, scheduled for 8–10 October 2026 in Dakar, is expected to bring together several hundred civil society representatives, human rights defenders, academics, media professionals and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. It will provide a platform to assess human rights developments across the continent, discuss emerging concerns, share experiences and develop recommendations for engagement with the African Commission.
The October activities will also take place against the backdrop of the 45th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, creating an important opportunity to reflect on the progress, challenges and future of Africa’s regional human rights framework.
With the Dakar mission concluded, ACDHRS will continue working with its partners and stakeholders in the weeks ahead to build momentum for an inclusive and impactful NGOs Forum that places civil society voices at the centre of discussions on human rights across Africa.
To register for the Forum: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSp2aE5_AJBNV4_DW0BhOGr9BILOSHgOOFuyG51ZWmUe0FiQ/viewform
