Dawda A. Jallow, The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has called for stronger accountability and practical implementation of human rights protections across Africa, saying the continent must move beyond commitments to real impact on citizens’ lives.

He made the remarks during the opening of the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul.

Addressing delegates, diplomats, civil society actors and commissioners, Jallow said Africa is facing serious challenges including conflict, shrinking civic space, attacks on human rights defenders, and the growing misuse of technology to suppress freedoms.

“We meet at a time of serious global strain. Wars are destroying communities. Civic space is shrinking. Democracies are under pressure,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing conflicts in Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel, noting that millions have been displaced while vulnerable groups continue to bear the heaviest burden.

Despite the challenges, the Attorney General said Africa has strong human rights foundations rooted in its own values, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the principle of Ubuntu as key achievements.

Jallow praised the African Commission and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for shaping the continent’s human rights framework but warned that there remains a wide gap between policy and implementation.

Reflecting on The Gambia’s post-2017 reforms, he said the country has expanded access to justice, strengthened legal aid, introduced mobile courts, and stepped up efforts to address gender-based violence.
He stressed that human rights commitments must translate into practical results that citizens can experience in their daily lives.

“The real test of this Commission, and of every government in this room, is not the quality of our speeches. It is whether the people who depend on these protections can feel their effect,” he said.

Jallow proposed five priority areas for African states, including domestication of human rights treaties, better funding for accountability institutions, stronger links between human rights and peace-building, focus on climate and digital rights, and greater inclusion of youth and vulnerable groups.

He reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to strengthen human rights protection and officially declared the session open.

By Adama Makasuba