At the opening of the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held on 12 October 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, Professor James MOUANGUE KOBILA, in his capacity as President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across the continent.

He highlighted key challenges, including armed conflicts, shrinking civic space, digital violence, discrimination and detention conditions, while calling for stronger independence and adequate resources for national human rights institutions.