CoRMSA Director participated in a Dialogue and Exchange Program focused on safeguarding and preserving civil, social, and political equality in Africa during the 21st century from 14-19 July 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. He presented on the SADC and AU civil society legal protection mechanisms and instruments designed to safeguard CSOs engaged in human rights protection work regionally and continentally. His presentation examined SADC and AU treaties, protocols, and bilateral agreements, including relevant international binding and non-binding human rights protection declarations.
The dialogue aimed to enhance understanding of the shrinking civic space in Africa, informing the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Africa’s response and future program development. Participants developed strategies for effective advocacy at national, regional, and continental levels to address civic space challenges in collaboration with international, regional, and national actors and decision-makers.
The dialogue, organised by the AFSC, brought together participants from South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Djibouti, and the United States to share experiences, network, and strategise on safeguarding and expanding civic space. Participants developed a roadmap for collective advocacy to address the shrinking civic space among human rights defenders, media professionals, CSOs, FBOs, and other relevant stakeholders across Africa.
