Dakar, Senegal — 10 October 2026
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) held a panel discussion entitled “From Restrictive Laws to Transnational Repression: Protecting Human Rights Defenders in Africa” at the Pullman Dakar Teranga, during the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Moderated by Manyima M. Dibba, CFJ Sahel Coordinator, the panel featured Dr. Aua Baldé, Member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Ralmeg Gandaho, Executive Director of Changement-Social Bénin; and Salume Boucif of the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), representing Basma Mostaf, Director of Programs at the Law and Democracy Support Foundation.
The discussion examined how restrictive laws and security measures undermine civil society, and how repression extends beyond borders through surveillance, threats against families, legal intimidation, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention.
The panel explored stronger cooperation between ACHPR Special Mechanisms and UN Special Procedures under the Addis Ababa Roadmap, particularly through information-sharing, urgent interventions and coordinated follow-up. Possible regional responses included a dedicated resolution on transnational repression and a continental study of protection gaps.
CFJ reaffirms its commitment to protecting human rights defenders and strengthening African–UN cooperation to ensure that defenders can work safely within their countries and in exile.
