The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) meeting at its 87th Ordinary Session held from 24 April to 20 May 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia:
Recalling its mandate of promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa, pursuant to Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter);
Taking note of Articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter, which guarantee the rights to freedom of association and freedom of assembly;
Noting alsothat the African Commission's Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa, adopted in 2017 (the Guidelines), require that any legal framework established or other measures taken in relation to the rights to freedom of association and assembly be primarily aimed at enabling the exercise of the rights as provided for in the Guidelines;
Further Noting Resolution ACHPR/Res.571 (LXXVII) 2023 on the need to undertake a study to assess the level of compliance of national legislations with the Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa, and Resolution ACHPR/Res.638 (LXXXIII) 2025 on the extension of the deadline for the completion of the said study;
Considering that the one-year extension expired on 22 May 2026 without the study having been finalized;
Aware of the need to grant sufficient time to the mechanism to consolidate research, gather as much relevant information as possible, and finalize the draft study;
The Commission:
- Decides to extend the deadline for completing the study by an additional one (01) year;
- Invites all stakeholders to contribute to the realization of the study.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia on 20 May 2026
