FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 71st ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS

Virtual Session
21 April – 13 May 2022

1.The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) held its 71st Ordinary Session (the Session) virtually, from 21 April to 13 May 2022. The Session was held virtually due to the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.The Opening Ceremony and the substantive programs of the Session were presided over by Honourable Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission, with the assistance of Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel, Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.

3.His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, representing His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AUC, graced the Opening Ceremony of the Session as the guest of honour.
 
4.The following Members of the Commission participated in the Session:
i.Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson;
ii.Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel, Vice Chairperson; 
iii.Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso; 
iv.Honourable Commissioner Hatem Essaiem;
v.Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela;
vi.Honourable Commissioner Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga; 
vii.Honourable Commissioner Marie Louise Abomo;
viii.Honourable Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah – Njie;
ix.Honourable Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo; and
x.Honourable Commissioner Idrissa Sow.  

5.Statements were delivered at the Opening Ceremony by: Mrs. Hannah Forster, Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, speaking on behalf of the NGO Forum Steering Committee; Dr. Elasto Mugwadi, Chairperson of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI); His Excellency Mr. Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights; Mr. Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative for the East Africa Regional Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; The Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, Vice-President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights; The Honourable Ndayisenga Joseph, Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Lamine Thiaw, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal to the African Union and Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union, speaking on behalf of States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter); The Honourable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights; His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, on behalf of His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; and His Excellency Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, representing the host government.

6.Speaking on behalf of the NGO Forum Steering Committee, Mrs. Hannah Forster,  recalled that the Forum of NGOs, which held virtually, from 19-20 April 2022, had the objective of reviewing developments, sharing strategies and making recommendations on the situation of human rights and democracy in Africa. She condemned the violations of various rights on the continent, which were observed to be on the increase, and also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, whilst inviting all stakeholders to play their parts in the fight against this virus, while respecting the human rights of all. 

7.The NGO Forum recommended that the Commission should invite States, not only to ratify regional and international legal instruments for the protection of human rights, but above all, to ensure the implementation of the provisions of these treaties and the respect of the guaranteed rights thereunder. Mrs. Forster also called for the adoption of specific laws to protect human rights defenders, increase in the funding of community paralegals for better access to justice especially during this period of health crisis, and increased investment in health and educational services for the achievement of sustainable development.

8.Dr. Elasto Mugwadi, speaking on behalf of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), reviewed the human rights situation on the continent in retrospect with a view to contributing to the consolidation of efforts to better serve the citizens of Africa. Firstly, recalling that Africa has just celebrated the 28th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, Dr. Mugwadi underscored the need to prevent and resolve conflicts for lasting peace. He also invited everyone to learn from the past in order to avoid armed conflicts and civil unrests in Africa. In this regard, he seized the opportunity to recall the conflicts and unrests currently taking place in several States of the continent and to call for action by both national and regional actors.

9.Furthermore, he noted the wave of unconstitutional changes of government in a number of countries, especially in the West African sub-region, and called on the African Union (AU) to lead the process of resolving these latent conflicts and avoid possible genocides.  

10.His Excellency Mr. Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, recalled the importance of peace, security, democracy, rule of law, good governance, economic, social and cultural rights. He commended the Commission for all the actions and resolutions adopted on the human rights situation in Sudan and also on the various unconstitutional changes of government in Africa, as well as on the right to food and building nutritional resilience in Africa.  

11.Mr. Eamon Gilmore pointed out that the theme of the year chosen by the AU leaders, "The Year of Nutrition", also aligns with the European Union's Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy, with a focus on environmental challenges and climate change, as well as on strengthening economic, social and cultural rights.  He further noted that the partnership between the EU and the AU and its Human Rights Organs is rooted in common values and shared interests, and particularly reiterated the cruciality of participation of AU human rights organs, including the Commission, in the annual AU-EU human rights dialogue, as well as underlined the importance of the Commission’s work as part of the African Governance Architecture (AGA). 

12.Mr. Eamon Gilmore also indicated that the EU was working towards a reinforced cooperation with the AU on governance, in the framework of the implementation of the EU-AU Memorandum of Understanding on Peace, Security and Governance, especially in the wake of a series of unconstitutional changes of governments and the need to ensure lasting peace, for which it is essential to promote and reinforce good governance. He concluded by reiterating the EU’s commitment to work together with the Commission, including on matters pertaining to Business and Human Rights, as well as thanking and congratulating all State and non-state actors who by their commendable actions contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. 

13.Mr. Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative for the East Africa Regional Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), recalled the great cooperation and enduring relationship between the OHCHR and the Commission, by which the institutions complement each other in their respective mandates to promote and protect human rights on the African continent, and underscored that the collaboration is particularly important now in the face of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the precariousness of global peace and stability and the challenges related to the enjoyment of socio-economic rights. 

14.Whilst noting with appreciation that as the COVID-19 pandemic situation improves, a number of African countries have relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, Mr. Akpovo requested that efforts be made to ensure that legal and policy measures introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 such as states of emergency and disaster should be lifted, and in this regard, invited the Commission to play its part in guarding against States’ abuse of legislation and regulations that have often been used by some States to restrict democratic and civic space under the pretext of protecting populations from COVID-19. 

15.Mr. Akpovo further requested the Commission to untiringly remind States of the urgency to implement the minimum core obligations in respect of economic, social and cultural rights in order to alleviate the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and noted that the African Union’s theme of 2022 as the year of nutrition, properly implicates the respect for all human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights. In this regard, he expressed the view that the post-COVID-19 recovery period requires the articulation of a new social contract where human potential can be exploited to the fullest and everyone can participate in the right to development, which is only possible if there is food and nutrition security, and people enjoy the best attainable standard of health. 

16.He called for a delicate balancing of efforts to strengthen agro-food systems and respect for the environment and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change, underscoring that sustainability would be key and that the African Commission should continuously strive to hold States accountable in this regard. He concluded by reiterating the continued commitment of the OHCHR to support the Commission, including through the framework of the Addis-Ababa Roadmap.

17.The Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya, Vice-President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Court) in his Statement on behalf of the Honourable Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, reiterated the imperative of implementing the complementary mandate of the Court and the Commission, as conceived by the Member States of the African Union.  

18.He further stated that the march towards the full realization of the “Africa we want” is confronted with various challenges, including conflicts outside Africa and the severe restrictions on freedoms that ensue. He noted that, in this context, the work of the Commission was one of the most important forums for discussing the shaping of the African discourse on freedoms that contribute to human development. Thus, he expressed his conviction that the activities of the Session would surely contribute to Africa further building its discourse on rights, freedoms, duties, governance, democracy and the rule of law.

19.Honourable Ndayisenga Joseph, Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Committee), recalled the complementarity that exists between the three human rights organs of the African Union, namely the Commission, the Court, and the Committee. He welcomed the first joint retreat of lawyers of the three organs, which was held from 26 to 28 January in Maputo.

20.After a brief reminder of the Committee's activities and its next activity on the commemoration of the Day of the African Child to be held on 16 June 2022, the Honourable Ndayisenga stated that this year’s commemoration of this day has a special character because it has been retained as a flagship activity of the AGA platform. In addition, he urged States that had not yet ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to do so and those that have made reservations to withdraw them, so that all children in Africa can benefit from the full and complete protection of the Charter.

21.Speaking on behalf of AU Member States - Parties to the African Charter, His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Lamine Thiaw, noted that the opening of this 71st Ordinary Session was taking place in a particular context, marked not only by the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, but also by the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the African Union. According to him, this was not only a reminder of how far we have come, but also of the need to collaborate permanently with all actors for the promotion and effective protection of human rights in Africa. 

22.Ambassador Thiaw recalled that peace, security and human rights are mutually reinforcing imperatives, and that respect for human rights is in the interest of all and promotes the well-being of individuals, the stability of societies and the harmony of peoples. In this regard, he urged all parties concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly Member States, not only to respect their obligations but also to implement the decisions of the Commission and comply with its recommendations.  

23.In his opening address, Honorable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission, at the outset, expressed his gratitude to the Tanzanian Government, for providing support to the Commission in having Swahili interpretation for its Session for the first time in its history, by availing Swahili interpreters.

24.Speaking on the human rights situation on the continent, the Chairperson of the Commission deplored: the resurgence of the overthrow of constitutional and democratic orders on the continent; armed conflicts; the continuing situation of serious and massive human rights violations in the Sahel countries due to terrorist attacks and acts; violations of freedoms of expression, association and assembly, as well as reprisals against human rights defenders in many countries; the resurgence of waves of xenophobic acts and systematic attacks targeting nationals of other African countries living in South Africa; the political situation in the Republic of the Sudan; recently marked by acts of violence during social demonstrations which have caused loss of life and significant material damage; the impact of climate change on human rights; the situation of migrants and asylum seekers; and the continuous negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which often have serious repercussions on the stability of institutions, societies and the implementation of human rights. 

25.The Chairperson then urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and regional and international cooperation, and to provide appropriate solutions for the preservation of human rights and public freedoms. Also, in relation to COVID-19, Honourable Commissioner Lumbu saluted the work of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the African Union, for all the efforts made in the fight against COVID-19; and reiterated the Commission’s call for the permanent observation of barrier measures to protect our citizens and communities from the scourge of the pandemic.

26.On the diplomatic front, Honourable Remy Ngoy Lumbu expressed deep concern over allegations of ill-treatment and segregation of African nationals in accessing the various means of transport available, to leave the embattled Ukrainian territory, in order to seek refuge in safe neighbouring countries. The Chairperson of the Commission then called on the international community and the international institutions cooperating with the Commission, as well as the African Union, to support the States Parties to the African Charter in providing better protection and assistance to African nationals still wishing to leave the combat zones. 

27.Conversely, with regard to positive developments on the human rights situation on the continent, the Chairperson of the Commission welcomed and congratulated, in particular, the adoption by the African Union of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security, as well as the ratifications by Burundi, Cameroon and Rwanda of the protocols to the African Charter on the Rights of the Older Persons and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He also appreciated: the slight reduction in the number of security incidents in the Sahel countries in recent months, despite that the security situation in these countries remains precarious; the various steps taken by the Ethiopian government towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Tigray region; the peaceful and successful organisation of the legislative elections in The Gambia; and the accession of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the Community of East African States. 

28.In conclusion, Honourable Remy Ngoy Lumbu lauded all the work carried out under the leadership of his predecessor – Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso,  particularly in relation to the impact of Covid 19 on human rights, and welcomed the continuation during this year of interactions with the Moroccan authorities in light of existing decisions of the Executive Council of the African Union, as well as the adoption by the AU of the theme of the year 2022 on “Strengthening resilience in terms of nutrition and food security on the African continent: Strengthening agriculture, accelerating human capital, social and economic development".

29.Delivering the opening speech of the Session on behalf of His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, expressed his sincere congratulations to His Excellency President Adama Barrow, his Government and the people of the Republic of The Gambia for the peaceful elections that took place in the Republic of The Gambia. He also commended the Honourable Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Commission, and his team of Honourable Commissioners for their unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights on the continent by holding regular ordinary sessions despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

30.In the face of continuing human rights violations, Ambassador Adeoye encouraged Member States to ensure that all legal instruments that they have freely ratified become part of their domestic laws, so that the rights and duties contained in these instruments become applicable and enforceable in their national courts.  He also called on Member States to give permanent permission to the Commission to undertake country visits, so as to dialogue on human rights issues with the countries’ authorities, with a view to finding effective remedies to their human rights challenges.  

31.His Excellency Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, speaking on behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, welcomed the participants to the 71st Ordinary Session of the Commission. He then congratulated the newly-elected Bureau and Members of the Commission, and commended the immediate-past Chairperson of the Commission, for his service in promoting the mandate of the Commission.

32.The Honourable Minister recalled that the year 2022 marks the 34th year since the establishment of the Commission and the 31st year after the inauguration of its Headquarters in Banjul, The Gambia. On this note, he called on stakeholders to renew their commitments and as well embark on a diligent reflection on the indispensable roles of the Commission as epitomized in the Banjul Charter, expressing the optimism that doing so will re-validate the reality that the Commission has a positive impact on our collective quest and conscience, toward the respect and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the consolidation of democratic gains on the African continent.

33.His Excellency Tangara observed that recent negative developments on the continental political landscape further compel an unadulterated re-evaluation of the continental governance mechanisms, citing in particular, the re-emergence of unconstitutional changes of government witnessed on the continent in the past year - a phenomenon which he stated, was perceived to have been permanently extricated from our national polities and contestations for political power.  Whilst calling for a condemnation of such developments, he called for an equally vigorous examination of all the facets of our governance frameworks and the evolving transformations of our social construct and contracts, and for particular attention to the underlying agitations and aspirations that gave the space for the security personnel in the affected countries to abrogate constitutional order and legitimacy. 

34.His Excellency Tangara therefore called for due attention to early warning signs of political decay and the consequent social and security fractures on the continent, and in this regard, for the recalibration by members of the AGA Platform, of their approaches to strengthening the nexus between peace, security, governance, and development, noting in particular, the Commission’s central role in this Platform, and its potential contributions to the acceleration of the momentum due to the amalgamation of the Department of Peace and Security and the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission.

35.On developments in relation to the Gambia, the Honourable Minister indicated that The Gambia has recently assumed its position as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the term 2022-2024, and is determined to strengthen the correlation between democratic governance and sustainable peace and security, whilst encouraging the African Commission and its AGA Platform partners to regularly engage the PSC beyond the customary annual briefings to the Council. He also affirmed The Gambia’s support to the ongoing reform of the AU, especially in the context of the initiatives earmarked for the Commission, and equally re-emphasized the commitment of the Government of The Gambia to fulfill the obligations under the Hosting Agreement.

36.In conclusion, the Honourable Minister recounted Gambia’s commitments and initiatves towards meeting its national obligations under the African Charter, and highlighted some of legal and institutional reforms put in place by the Government since 2017, to create the requisite environment for the free exercise of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Gambian people. 

37.His Excellency Tangara, concluded his statement by thanking all the participants for their presence at the virtual Session, with an expression of hope to convene physical future sessions with the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on this note, he declared open the 71st Ordinary Session of the Commission and wished the participants fruitful deliberations.

38.A total of Six Hundred and Ninety-five (695) delegates attended the 71st Session including: One hundred and Fifty-Four (154) representing Thirty-Three (33) States Parties; four  (4) representing AU Organs; none (0) representing Regional Economic Communities; One Hundred and Thirty-Four (134) representing NHRIs; Forty-Five (45) representing International and Inter-Governmental Organisations; Three Hundred and Fourteen (314) representing African and International NGOs; Forty-One (41) representing other observers, three (3) of which were from the Media.

39.Representatives of the following eight (8) States Parties made statements on the human rights situation in their respective countries, namely: Angola; Malawi; Burkina Faso; Algeria; Tanzania; Ethiopia; Eritrea and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.

40.Representatives of eighteen (18) NHRIs with Affiliate Status made statements on the human rights situation in their respective countries, namely: National Human Rights Commission of Mauritania; National Council for Human Rights, Algeria; Uganda Human Rights Commission;  Kenya National Commission on Human Rights; The National Human Rights Commission of Cote d’Ivoire; National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship of Cape Verde; National Human Rights Commission of Mali;  National Commission for Human Rights and Freedoms, Cameroon; Nigerien National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties; Beninese Human Rights Commission; Malawi Human Rights Commission; National Human Rights Commission of Mauritius; National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria; National Human Rights Commission for Rwanda;  The National Commission for Human Rights of The Sudan; Ethiopian Human Rights Commission; The National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia; and Sahrawi National Commissiom for Human Rights.

41.Twenty-four (24) NGOs that have Observer Status with the Commission made statements on the human rights situation in Africa.

42.A representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a specialized international organisation, having observer status with the Commission, also made a statement.

43.Eritrea, Ethiopia and Mauritania exercised their rights of reply.

44.Several panel discussions on various themes were organised during the Session, with a view to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights on the continent, as follows:
i.Panel on the Prevention of unconstitutional change of Government in Africa: Role of the ACHPR;
ii.Panel Discussion on Sustainable Development and Human Rights in Africa: How to ensure accountability of States and Business Entities;
iii.Panel Discussion on to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities and Minorities in Africa;
iv.Panel on the Ratification of the Protocols on Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa;
v.Panel on Conditions of Prisons and Places of Detention in Africa;
vi.Panel on the 10th Anniversary of the Addis Ababa Road Map;
vii.Panel on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Africa;
viii.Panel on the implications of migration on statelessness in Africa; and 
ix.Joint Panel on the Death Penalty and the Prevention of Torture

45.The Commission reported on the status of its relationship and cooperation with NHRIs. It also provided an update on the status of submission of activity reports by NHRIs and NGOs.

46.Given that the Commission did not consider any application for affiliate status at this Session, the total number of national institutions specializing in human rights with affiliate status with the Commission remains thirty-three (33).

47.In accordance with its Resolution on the Criteria for Granting and Maintaining Observer Status to Human Rights NGOs in Africa, the Commission granted Observer Status to three (3) NGOs, namely:
i.The Studies In Poverty And Inequality Institute - SPII
ii.International Federation of Women Lawyers – (FIDA); and
iii.The Cape Verdean Child Rights Coalition – (CCDC).

This brings the total number of NGOs, which have observer status with the Commission, to five hundred and fourty-one (541).

48.The Commission also provided an update on the status of submission of Periodic Reports by States Parties.

49.In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, the Commission considered the Periodic Report of the following State Party:

i.The Twelth and Thirteenth Combined Periodic Reports of the Republic of Kenya under the African Charter, and the Initial Report under the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol).

50.Members of the Commission presented their intersession reports highlighting the activities undertaken in their capacity as Commissioners, Commissioner Rapporteurs and mandate holders of Special Mechanisms:

51.Presentation of these Reports generated reactions, contributions and questions from State Delegates and Civil Society Organisations.

52.During its private Session, the Commission considered and adopted the following documents, with comments and/or amendments:
i.Report of the Chairperson of Working Group on Communications (WGC); 
ii.Communications Audit Narrative Report; 
iii.Report of the Secretary to the Commission ;
iv.Submission on Governance issues at the Commission;
v.Report on Staff and Budgetary Matters; and
vi.Guidelines on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances in Africa.

53.The Commission also considered and discussed the following documents:
i.Elements of the Draft Joint General Comment on Female Genital Mutilation;
ii.Draft Guidelines on Shadow Reporting;  
iii.Paper and Letter on Position on Complementarity between the Commission and the Court;
iv.Report on Decisions of the 69th & 70th OS.

54.Furthermore, the Commission considered the following Communications:

On the Merits:

i.Communication 470/14 - Ibrahim Almaz Deng & 6 Others (Represented by Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa) v. The Republic of the Sudan; and 
ii.Communication 588/15 - Minority Rights Group International and Environnement Ressources Naturelle et Développement (on behalf of the Batwa of Kahuzi Biega National Park, DRC) v. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

     On Admissibility :

iii.Communication 733/19 - Cyrille Ndayirukiye (represented by Armel Nyongere and Bernard Maingain) vs.  Republic of Burundi;
iv.Communication 650/17-   Divine Chi and 74 Others (represented by  Professor Carlson Anyangwe) v The Republic of Cameroon;
v. Communication 680-17 - Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of the Biafra v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria; and
vi.Communication 700/18: - IHRDA and others v. Democratic Republic of Congo.

     On Seizure

vii.Communication 782/22 – Legal Action Worldwide, Pan African Lawyers Union & nd Debevoise & Plimpton LLP v. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
viii.Communication 769/21 – Bernard Busokoza (represented by Maître   Lambert Nigarura & IHRDA v. Republic of Burundi; and
ix.Communication 790/22 – Ahmed Adel and Mo’Tassem-Bell v.  The Arab Republic of Egypt.

55.Furthermore, the Commission held discussions on the modalities for conducting an induction/knowledge-sharing exercise for its members on the new practices of the Commission and the wider AU, and as well held capacity building engagements with some of its partner institutions, as follows:
i.Engagement with Association pour la prévention de la torture (APT) on the Mendez Principles;
ii.Briefing on the joint AU/World Bank/OHCHR programme on Integrating Human Rights into the Continental Early Warning System; and
iii.ICRC Engagement with the Commission on Interational Humanitarian Law: Thematic Session on the legal qualification of situations of violence for the Members of the Commission.

56.The Commission adopted the following Resolutions:
i.Resolution on the Need to Conduct a Study on Extrajudicial Killings in Africa; and 
ii.Resolution on the Renewal of the Mandate and Expansion of the Composition of the Commission of Inquiry 

57.The Commission decided to hold its 72nd Private Ordinary Session from 12th -26th  July 2022 and its 73rd Public Ordinary Session from 20 October-09 November 2022.  Details of the formats and modalities for these Sessions will be made available on the Commission’s website in due course.

58.The Commission expresses its sincere gratitude to States Parties, international organisations, NHRIs, NGOs and all stakeholders who participated in this virtual Ordinary Session.

59.The Closing Ceremony of the 71st Ordinary Session took place virtually on 13th May 2022.

Done in Banjul, on 13th May 2022