The first leg of the 2024 D4GA Stakeholder Convening took place from August 5-9 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Enhancing Human Rights in Africa: Building Capacity for Advocacy on Education, Climate Change, and Elections.” The convening brought together over 50 participants from Pan-African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) within East Africa, alongside representatives from different African Union Organs such as, the African Peace and Security Architecture of the African Union, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Union ECOSOCC, and African Peer Review Mechanism.

Discussions covered critical topics such as transitional justice, human rights, elections, good governance, and education, all aligning with the African Union’s theme for the year. This event also marked a significant milestone in the journey of the Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) consortium, as transitional justice was incorporated into the program for the first time since its inception.

The D4GA consortium, which includes Afrobarometer, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Laws. Africa, and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi, alongside nine AU organs and Pan-African civil society organizations, has developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at equipping African CSOs with the necessary data and skills to advocate effectively for governance and the rule of law at both national and continental levels. The primary objectives of the D4GA encompass raising awareness among African citizens about the work of AU organs, collecting and popularizing information on the national implementation of continental commitments, facilitating access to African Governance Architecture (AGA) Protocols and decisions, providing CSOs with tools and strategies for governance and human rights advocacy, and ultimately enhancing governance, democracy, and human rights in Africa.

The convening was a hub of knowledge exchange, with key discussions on the use of data in human rights, elections, transitional justice, education, and peace and security.

Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga delivered the keynote address. His emphasis on the importance of data-led governance resonated deeply with the convening’s objectives. “What gets measured gets done,” he asserted, highlighting that only through data can we accurately gauge progress, identify gaps, and focus our efforts where they are most needed.

 

CHIEF JUSTICE EMERITUS MARAGA GIVING HIS KEYNOTE ADRESS

Chief Justice Maraga also underscored the judiciary’s critical role in upholding democracy and human rights across Africa. He spoke candidly about the challenges facing many African judiciaries, including political interference, inadequate resources, and systemic corruption. These challenges, he noted, significantly undermine the judiciary’s ability to function effectively. He called for a collective effort from all branches of government, CSOs, and the international community to support and strengthen judicial institutions, ensuring that they operate free from undue influence and deliver justice to all citizens.

Following the Chief Justice’s address, Mr. William Carew, Head of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Secretariat, delivered a compelling statement on the vital role of African civil society in promoting governance and human rights. Mr. Carew emphasized that African CSOs are indispensable partners in advancing the African Union’s agenda, particularly in areas such as education, climate change, and elections. He stressed the importance of empowering CSOs with the tools, data, and strategies they need to hold governments accountable and drive meaningful change across the continent.

During the sessions, IJR’s Project Leader Nyasha Mpani shared valuable resources from the institute on transitional justice with the Chief Justice and other participants. This exchange further reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing transitional justice across the continent.

The next leg of the D4GA Stakeholder Convening will be in West and Southern Africa, building on the momentum gained in East Africa to inspire more countries to embark on similar initiatives. The D4GA work is important as it builds capacity in data-led governance, which is crucial for the progress Africa. By equipping CSOs with the necessary tools and strategies, the project not only enhances governance and human rights in Africa but also paves the way for a future where democracy and justice prevail.

Gratitude is extended to the European Union for their unwavering support and generous funding, which has been instrumental in making this convening possible. Their commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance in Africa is invaluable.

Compiled by: Nyasha Mcbride Mpani

Project Leader Data for Governance Alliance

Institute of Justice and Reconciliation