Dakar, Senegal — 29 August 2026: The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has continued its stakeholder engagements in Dakar 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.
On Saturday, the ACDHRS delegation met with Alioune Tine, Founder and President of Afrikajom Center, to discuss preparations for the Forum and the importance of strengthening civil society participation in the African human rights system.
The discussion highlighted the need for stronger links between Senegalese civil society organisations and wider African civil society networks as Dakar prepares to host the October Forum and the subsequent session of the African Commission.
The delegation emphasised that the NGO Forum will bring together civil society organisations and human rights defenders from across Africa and beyond to assess human rights developments, exchange experiences, identify emerging concerns and develop recommendations for engagement with the African Commission.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on the broader human rights and civic space environment and the importance of partnerships among civil society organisations in advancing human rights, democracy and accountability.
ACDHRS Engages WADR on Media Partnership
ACDHRS also held discussions with West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) as part of efforts to strengthen media partnerships and broaden public awareness of the October Forum.
The delegation briefed WADR on the Forum and highlighted the critical role of the media in amplifying civil society voices and bringing discussions on human rights and democracy to wider audiences.
Particular emphasis was placed on increasing public understanding of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
ACDHRS and WADR explored opportunities for regional media coverage of the Forum, including public-interest programming, interviews and coverage of key discussions and outcomes.
With its regional focus on governance, democracy, peace and development, WADR was identified as a potentially important platform for extending the reach of the Forum beyond Dakar and connecting its discussions with audiences across West Africa.
The engagements form part of ACDHRS’s wider preparatory mission in Dakar, which began on 26 August and continues until 1 September 2026.
The Centre is using the mission to strengthen partnerships with national and regional institutions, civil society organisations and media platforms ahead of the October human rights activities.
The NGOs Forum will provide a key platform for African civil society to contribute to discussions within the African human rights system and prepare recommendations for consideration by the African Commission.
