PRESS RELEASE: ELECTION OF NEW BUREAU LEADERSHIP AT THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS (ACHPR), BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
Banjul, 21 October 2025 - African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), on the 21 October 2025 elected its new Bureau Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to lead and co-ordinate the activities of members of the Commission.
Hon. Commissioner Idrissa Sow [West Africa]) is the newly elected Chairperson, while Hon. Commissioner Hatem Essaiem [North Africa]) assumes the post of the Vice-Chairperson. The two will serve for a period of two (2) years. The new Chairperson takes over from the immediate former Chairperson, Hon. Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu and former Vice-Chair Hon. Commission Janet Ramatoulie Sallah- Njie.
The election was conducted during the 85th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, which took place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia. The election was conducted in line with Article 42(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, read together with Rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure of the ACHPR (2020).
The ACHPR is an autonomous treaty body of the African Union, and is composed of eleven (11) Commissioners, who are elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. The Commissioners serve in their personal capacity and in an independent and impartial manner. The mandate of the Commission is defined in Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), which includes the promotion and protection of human and peoples' rights on the continent and the interpretation of any provision of the African Charter at the request of a state party; among other tasks as may be directed by the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) was established under Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which entered into force on October 21, 1986. The African Charter is ratified by fifty-four (54) of the fifty-five (55) Member States of the African Union, making it one of the most widely ratified instruments adopted by the African Union. The number of ratifications of the Charter signifies a near universal acceptance by African States of the standards contained therein. 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the African Charter. The implementation of the Charter has led to an increasing contribution to the recognition of the legitimacy of the works of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, political opposition, and the media.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
1. About the ACHPR:
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the primary human rights body of the African Union, established under Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the foundational treaty of the African Human Rights system. It promotes and protects human rights across the continent.
2. Composition of the ACHPR:
The ACHPR consists of 11 Commissioners, elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. They serve in a personal, independent, and impartial capacity.
3. Mandate of the ACHPR:
The ACHPR's mandate, as defined in Article 45 of the African Charter, includes:
o Promoting and protecting human rights in Africa
o Interpreting provisions of the African Charter
o Formulating principles for legislation on fundamental freedoms
For further information please contact:
Mrs. Abiola Idowu- Ojo, | Executive Secretary | African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights | E-mail: achpr.stcincoming@africaunion.org | Banjul, Gambia.
Ms Samantha Kambule |Senior PR & Information Officer African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights | E-mail: Kambules@africaunion.org | | au-banjul@africa-union.org| Banjul, Gambia.
