President John Dramani Mahama has placed the rule of law at the centre of Africa’s democratic future, declaring that no society can thrive where justice is compromised or institutions are weakened.
The President made the remarks on Monday when he officially opened the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha.
Addressing an audience of distinguished jurists, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of regional bodies, Mahama stressed that the strength of Africa’s democracies will ultimately be measured by their commitment to the rule of law.
He noted that the rule of law is not merely a constitutional principle but the foundation upon which peace, development and social stability are built.
“Without independent courts and respect for judicial decisions, rights become promises on paper,” he stated, urging African states to safeguard judicial autonomy and protect legal institutions from undue political pressure.
The President warned that across the continent, growing constitutional tensions, disputed elections and governance challenges have tested public confidence in state institutions. In such times, he said, strong and impartial judicial systems remain the last line of defence for citizens seeking justice.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which interprets and applies the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, was established to ensure accountability beyond national borders and to reinforce human rights protections across member states.
Mahama called on governments to go beyond ceremonial endorsements and demonstrate practical commitment by complying fully with the Court’s rulings and strengthening domestic legal systems.
He emphasised that respect for the rule of law must apply equally to all — regardless of political office, social status or economic influence.
“No individual and no institution should stand above the law,” he declared, adding that justice delivered without fear or favour is essential to building trust between citizens and the state.
The opening of the 2026 Judicial Year, he said, should signal a renewed continental resolve to deepen cooperation, reinforce institutional independence and protect the dignity of every African.
As proceedings for the new judicial calendar commence, the spotlight now shifts to how member states will translate their commitments into tangible action — ensuring that the rule of law remains not just an aspiration, but a lived reality across the continent.
