The 10th Forum of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) commenced today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a distinguished opening session led by AUCIL Chairperson, Prof. Kevin Ferdinand Ndjimba. This included opening statements from the African Union’s (AU) Legal Counsel, Prof. Hajer Gueldich; Deputy Chief of Staff, Cabinet of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Amb. Tordeta Ratebaye; and Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Amb. Reta Alemu. Additionally, a keynote address was delivered by Brigadier General (Prof.) Dan Kuwali. In which they had collectively welcomed prominent experts in the field, and had emphasised the significance of addressing this year’s Forum theme of “International Law, Transitional Justice, and Armed Conflicts in Africa”.

The sessions featured presentations from distinguished professionals across the continent and guest speakers from regional and international academic institutions and organizations. Discussions covered various sub-themes of transitional justice and armed conflict, including conflict resolution, emerging conflict forms, challenges in transitional and restorative justice, post-conflict reconstruction and a dedicated session focused on the future of international criminal justice in Africa. The sessions’ illustrative persuasive and novel approaches to these issues while emphasising the need of an African perspective. Additionally, several presenters concluded with solid recommendations and proposed initiatives for consideration by various stakeholders including at the foremost, States, civil society, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the AU, and international institutions.

The Forum launched with resounding success, propelled by the active participation and insightful discussions among the participants. These engagements have yielded profound insights and provided a much-needed platform for the exchange of ideas on core issues relevant to this year's theme. Similarly, they signify a notable advancement through collaborative and innovative approaches in tackling major legal and political challenges currently facing the African continent.

Notes to editor:

AUCIL was created in 2009 as an independent advisory organ to the AU in accordance with article 5(2) of the AU Constitutive Act. The Commission’s main tasks are to: Advise the Union on matters of international law, undertake activities relating to codification and progressive development of international law in Africa with particular attention to the laws of the AU; Propose draft framework agreements and model regulations; Assist in the revision of existing treaties and identify areas in which new treaties are required; Conduct studies on legal matters of interest to the AU and its Member States; Encourage the teaching, study, publication and dissemination of literature on international law, in particular, AU law, with a view to promoting respect for the principles of international law, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and respect for the AU and recourse to its organs.

Read more about the Statute of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) at: https://au.int/en/treaties/statute-african-union-commission-international-law-aucil

For more information, please contact:

1. Mr.Olatoundji Francis Adanlao I Legal Drafter I Office of the Legal Counsel I Email: adanlaoo@africa-union.org
2.  Ms. Meseret Fassil I Associate Legal Officer, Office of the Legal Counsel I Email: MeseretF@africa-union.org
3.  Mr. Ahmed Ad-Dirdeiry I Associate Legal Officer, Office of the Legal Counsel I Email: addirdeirya@africa-union.org

For media inquiries and interviews please contact:

Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar I Senior Communication Officer I African Union Commission I Email: gamalk@africa-union.org

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