The 24^th Ordinary Session of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) commenced at the African Union (AU) Headquarters. This Session, spanning from May 6^th -17^th will consider and discuss a range of ongoing studies focused on the codification and progressive development of international law and AU law, as well as the domestication of AU legal instruments. Additionally, it will explore legal research on political, economic, and social issues in the African continent.

In her opening remarks, the outgoing Acting Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of AUCIL, Amb. Juliet Semambo Kalema, emphasized the need for AU Member States to implement measures regarding climate change and Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG). She also urged Member States to actively participate in actualizing AUCIL’s progressive proposals for the development of international law in Africa, with a particular focus on the AU law.

Prof. Hajer Gueldich, the Legal Counsel of the AU, welcomed AUCIL Members and congratulated the new Members, assuring them of the Office of the Legal Counsel’s (OLC) full support in ensuring that AUCIL’s work is conducted with independence and impartiality. She expressed appreciation for the key role AUCIL played in adopting  a Common African Position (CAP) on the application of the rules of international law to the use of information and communication technologies in cyberspace. She acknowledged their significant contributions to building the Africa envisioned in Agenda 2063 and emphasized the importance of AUCIL's work in addressing issues such as UCG and internal AU legal reforms.

Amb. Tordeta Ratebaye, Deputy Chief of Staff, Cabinet of the AUC Chairperson, extended a warm welcome to the AUCIL members on behalf of the Chairperson. He highlighted the continent's pressing issues, emphasizing the need for better communication to increase AUCIL's visibility and urging the delivery of ongoing studies to relevant bodies. He additionally highlighted the increasing number of Member States facing suspension due to UCG. He urged AUCIL members to investigate the underlying causes of this phenomenon and, most importantly, to establish a firm position through a thorough study on the issue. Amb. Tordeta Ratebaye concluded by stressing the importance of enhanced communication regarding the activities and programs of the AUCIL.

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. 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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