Continuing my annual tradition of reflections from 2021, 2022, and 2023, here are my thoughts on 2024.
As we step into 2025, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable journey that was 2024. This year has been a mosaic of achievements, strategic advancements, issue advocacy, and public engagement. My standout recognition as one of the 10 exceptionally talented African scholars to watch in 2024 by The Africa Report was just the beginning. Let’s dive into the highlights that made 2024 an unforgettable year.
I. Keynotes Highlights
Keynote on Gendered Politics of Autocratization in Africa
It was an absolute honor to deliver the keynote on “Gendered Politics of Autocratization in Africa” in March as part of the RDV seminar series, a collaboration between the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism (UiB) and LawTransform – Centre on Law and Social Transformation at the University of Bergen, Norway. The keynote was central to the two-day international and interdisciplinary PhD course, “Gendered Autocratization,” convened by Prof. Lise Raknerat at the Department of Government, UiB, which provides in-depth engagement with the state-of-the-art research on the role of gender in contemporary politics and contestations over the nature of liberal democracy.
The keynote focused on the characteristics of the gendered autocratisation dynamics and counter-forces on the African continent. Through case studies, including South Africa, The Gambia, Uganda, and Ghana, I highlighted the instrumentalization of gender in political autocratization and the ways cultural and religious rhetoric are used to resist reproductive health rights. The discussions sparked by this presentation underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges with nuanced, context-specific approaches. It was inspiring to engage with the PhD and Master’s students in attendance and witness their commitment to advancing research in this area.
‘The Gambia at a Crossroads: Forging a Republican Future’: Inaugural Dr. Saja Taal Annual Lecture
In May, I was honored to deliver the inaugural Dr. Saja Taal Annual Lecture, organized by the Center for Research and Policy Development (CRPD) in the Gambia. My lecture focused on the urgent need for democratic consolidation in the country, exploring the historical context, contemporary challenges, and potential pathways to a more inclusive and stable democracy.
As we stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, I emphasize the need for a strong, enduring democratic republic in The Gambia. The road to democracy has been long and fraught with setbacks, but hope exists. The lecture highlighted ten critical contextual issues currently challenging our democratic journey:
A democratically deficient constitutional framework
Weak institutions
Compromised leadership
Economic rights and gender (in) equality
A failing educational system
Insufficient national resources
Security and defense concerns
Strengthening regional ties
Public health and financial insecurity
Social cohesion and religious tolerance
This milestone was more than just a lecture; it was an opportunity to engage with fellow Gambians, distinguished guests, and friends in advancing the conversation on the future of democracy in The Gambia. We must focus on these critical areas to strengthen our institutions, enhance leadership, and empower our citizens-particularly women and youth-to pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future.
I was thrilled to return to Bergen, one of my favorite places, for the 2024 Bergen Exchanges. This week-long event gathers scholars and practitioners from around the globe to explore how law drives change and interacts with power dynamics. It features public discussions on the strategic use of rights and law and how legal institutions act as arenas for political contestation (lawfare). This year’s #BeEx2024 marked the 10th anniversary of LawTransform, and it celebrated it by setting 10 key agendas for socio-legal research over the next decade.
I had the privilege of giving one of the opening keynotes at the #BeEx2024 on the “State of Democracy in #Africa.” I joined esteemed scholars from around the world to discuss the pressing challenges facing liberal democracies today, including the rise of right-wing populism, deepening inequalities, widespread discontent, and the illiberal uses of law and new technologies.
During my presentation, I highlighted the diverse democratic trends across Africa, emphasizing the ongoing wave of coups, particularly in the Sahel, and civil and political conflicts that pose significant challenges to democratic consolidation.
My remarks focused on the interconnected themes of trust and participation, spotlighting Gen Z protests in Kenya and social movements in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda as powerful examples of social and protest movements across the continent. I also explored the impact of digital politics and shared rays of hope, such as Senegal’s democratic resilience and the ongoing questions surrounding South Africa’s coalition government.
These developments underscore both the challenges and resilience of democracy in Africa, offering critical insights into the continent’s evolving political landscape. I am of the strong conviction that people care about democracy in Africa, and they are willing to mobilize to support it!
Watch the full video below:
Other panels I spoke on included:
LAUNCH OF SPECIAL ISSUE: Rethinking inequalities through voices from the South
I had the privilege of joining a group of inspiring young scholars from the global majority, where we discussed various facets of global inequalities. I emphasized the critical need for more mentorship and training opportunities, particularly for emerging scholars. We also discussed the importance of building stronger partnerships within the research community and fostering deeper collaborations between policymakers and researchers, especially those rooted in the Global South. These connections are vital for ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact on global issues.
LawTransform@10 – RESEARCH AGENDA FOR THE NEXT DECADE: Children and the Law
As someone who began advocating for child rights at age 8, it was truly a full-circle moment to engage in discussions with visionary scholars on the latest frontiers in socio-legal research concerning children and the law. These conversations were rich with insights on how legal frameworks can better protect and empower children.
🎙️ I shared from my research agenda the critical role politics and law play in determining sexual and reproductive health outcomes, which influence the availability and quality of policies and services in this area.
🔍 It’s essential to continue exploring the complex interplay between global, regional, and national norm-setting, interpretation, and contestation—and to understand the implications for local practitioners across diverse contexts.
🔍 Fertile grounds for future research include addressing child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, eliminating school-related gender-based violence, and improving menstrual health management.
The nature and scope of our research must adapt to contexts severely impacted by climate change, conflict, or health crises. New evidence is needed to comprehend these challenges and develop effective strategies for addressing them.
Fostering Inclusive and Accountable Governance in The Gambia
I was honored to deliver a keynote on September 2, 2024, on “Fostering Inclusive and Accountable Governance in The Gambia” at the 3-day Symposium on Security, Governance, and Development. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in collaboration with the World Bank, the Government of The Gambia, and the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD). Held under the theme “Peace and Prosperity in The Gambia: Problems and Prospects,” the Symposium focused on security, governance, and development in The Gambia. The Symposium brought together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society leaders, and international experts, to discuss strategies for enhancing security, governance, and development.
In my address, I tackled key issues such as building trust in institutions, addressing opaque national debt, promoting inclusivity (gender, youth, marginalized groups), and confronting power concentration in the presidency, weak parties, and checks and balances. I also emphasized the urgent need for a new constitution and a thorough context analysis of levels of exclusion to advance the governance agenda.
I also had the privilege of joining His Lordship Justice Hassan Bubacar Jallow, Chief Justice of The Gambia, and fellow scholars and practitioners from West Africa on a panel discussing “Deepening Democratic Governance in The Gambia.” My focus was on dealing with past human rights violations, including reparations and accountability, enacting laws to prosecute acts of torture, combating transnational crimes, fostering a human rights culture, enhancing women’s political participation, and making oversight institutions more efficient.
It is vital that we stretch our imaginations about the tools we use and how we use them to shape the kind of Gambia we want to build.
II. Organizing, coalition building, global solidarity, and international advocacy work
Visioning of the Francophone JustElle & Reprojuste Human Rights Fellowship Program
I’m thrilled to share one of the most rewarding highlights of this year: co-creating the IPAS Francophone JustElle and Reprojuste Human Rights Fellowship Program for women and youth leaders in Francophone Africa. We convened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from May 6-10, 2024, to officially launch this transformative initiative. The event was graced by the Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa (SRRWA), Hon Janet Sallah-Njie and chair of the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, Laura Nyirinkindi, whose presence underscored the global significance of this effort.
The fellowship is a year-long journey to empower women and youth leaders from Francophone Africa to advance reproductive health, rights, and justice in their communities. Through capacity building, networking opportunities, and advocacy training, we hope to equip these trailblazers with the tools they need to create sustainable change in some of the region’s most pressing issues.
From the collaborative energy in the room during our workshops to the passionate voices of the fellows, this program embodies the power of collective action. As we progress through this first cohort, I am excited to see how these leaders will shape the future of reproductive justice across the continent.
Centering National Leadership in The Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia
In response to the alarming proposal to repeal The Gambia’s law banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), I had the privilege of supporting the ACHPR Vice Chairperson and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, Hon Janet Sallah-Njie Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa (SRRWA) in conceptualizing and planning a Nationally Led Roundtable. Organized by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) with the collaboration of key partners, including the Special Rapporteur on Child Marriage and Other Harmful Practices of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) and with the support of UN Women, this timely initiative took place on the margins of the 79th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR on May 28, 2024, in The Gambia.
The Roundtable strategically centered FGM as a pressing human rights issue, prioritizing the voices and leadership of national stakeholders. By design, international actors and members of the diplomatic corps participated primarily as observers, creating space for Gambian voices to lead the dialogue
The gathering brought together a diverse range of actors—from women leaders and activists to religious and traditional leaders—to explore the potential consequences of the proposed repeal, including its broader implications for women’s rights and gender equality. It also served as a platform to forge coalitions and map strategies for collective action, aligning with the national roadmap to sustain gains and accelerate progress toward the complete abandonment of FGM in The Gambia.
This was more than a convening; it was a powerful affirmation of the critical role of national expertise and leadership in tackling harmful practices. I remain deeply committed to supporting these efforts and to working toward a future where the rights and dignity of women and girls are fully upheld.
Collective action remains key to ending harmful practices.
Policy Dialogue – Women of the Diaspora on the Frontlines: Confronting Political Repression
In collaboration with the Southern Center for Human Rights, First Amendment Lawyer Bridge Project, Women’s March, Global Black, The Movement for Black Lives, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, the Human Rights Center hosted a two-day virtual strategy session on October 24-25, 2024. This was a space for women of African descent to explore strategies aimed at addressing challenges that disproportionately impact Black women worldwide. In the face of rising authoritarian and fascist regimes, how are Black women organizing? What resources can be exchanged across borders? What existing Pan-African initiatives are focusing on women, and how can individuals connect with and support this vital work? Gaynel Curry of the PFPAD and myself set the stage in the opening keynote conversation.
III. Game-Changer Events and Partnerships
Third Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
Representing the University of Dayton Human Rights Center, I proudly participated in the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, April 16-19, 2024. The session’s theme was “The Second International Decade for People of African Descent: Addressing Systemic Racism, Reparatory Justice, and Sustainable Development.”
Building on insights from #SPHR2023, the HRC made submissions focusing on Reparations, Sustainable Development, and Economic Justice. You can view the submissions on the OHCHR website.
It is always a joy to connect with the Gambian family. I am grateful to Ambassador Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative; Mr. Cherno Marenah, Deputy Permanent Representative; Baturu Camara; and Bafou Jeng.
Senegambian Studies Annual Conference
As a secretary of the Senegambia Studies Group, a Coordinate Organization of the African Studies Association (ASA), we organized the inaugural conference of the Senegambia Studies Group, a member of the African Studies Association (ASA), under the theme “Circulating the Senegambia and Beyond.” This conference, from June 19-21, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal, provided a critical platform for expanding our discussions from #SPHR2023.
I also curated a panel of scholars and activists titled “Gendered Autocratization in Muslim-Majority African Countries,” which focused on understanding the causes of gender backlash, its implications, and the effectiveness of various responses under different conditions, particularly in the Senegambian region and beyond.
Also paid a courtesy call to Njoya Tikum, Director, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa and Resident Representative, UNDP Senegal.
Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) High-Level Convening Champions Gender Equality in the African Legal Profession
As someone who has long been passionate about achieving equality in the legal field, I was deeply honored to be at the Gender Equality in Law Campaign (GELC) High-Level Convening by the IAWL ~ Institute for African Women in Law in Accra, Ghana, on July 5, 2024. The event marked the official launch of the Gender Equality in Law Campaign (GELC), a Pan-African initiative premised on the 3 A’s –Awareness, Advocacy and Activation. The Campaign uses evidence-based research to raise Awareness about the challenges women face in the legal profession. It engages in Advocacy with crucial institutional stakeholders. It calls for the Activation of institutional change by providing gender equality in law Model Policy that law firms and judiciaries can adopt. The high-level convening attracted over 200 participants, including esteemed judiciary members, the bar, the legal academy, civil society groups, law students, international organizations, and the diplomatic corps.
I was entrusted with providing a brief overview of the key research highlights. This timely project, captured in the report “Gender Equality in Law Across Africa: Is the Glass Half Full?” drew on insights from a substantial survey of 590 respondents across multiple African countries.
This convening was graced by Her Ladyship, the Honorable Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Justices of the Supreme and members of the Judiciary, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the Ghana Bar Association and representatives of the legal academy, Students and supporters of the campaign.
Seeing so many committed to equality in the legal profession was truly inspiring.
World Contraception Day 2024: Launching the Road to Bogotá and a Global Call to Action for Family Planning
It was a thrilling experience to join Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng and other #SRHR champions for the World Contraception Day special Pulse episode, “Resilience Through Autonomy: Ensuring Dignity and Quality Care in Sexual and Reproductive Health” on September 26, 2024. The conversation was timely and meaningful, especially in honor of #WCD2024 and the launch of the #RoadtoBogotá. This moment highlights the importance of building a resilient future for the global family planning community and amplifying the call for equity and dignity in sexual and reproductive health care.
I discussed my work on the intersection of legal and human rights aspects of advocacy around #SRHR in The Gambia and the broader African context, emphasizing the crucial role of legal protections in advancing autonomy and safeguarding dignity. I shared examples of successful law reforms and strategic litigation that have improved access to contraceptives, abortion, and related services despite the challenges posed by the global gender backlash. I highlighted how robust legal frameworks can strengthen resilience by protecting rights and underscored the importance of integrating gender equality into global health discourse.
Watch the full episodes in English, French and Spanish below:
#TrialWatch Expert: Monitoring Prosecutions under the Prohibition of FGM Act in Kenya
I was honored to serve as a #TrialWatch expert for the past year, which culminated in the release of a groundbreaking report, “Monitoring Prosecutions under the Prohibition of FGM Act in Kenya,” published by Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) #TrialWatch Initiative and American Bar Association Center for Human Rights! This report sheds light on a deeply troubling trend: the Kenyan law against female genital mutilation (PFGM) has disproportionately been used to target survivors who underwent FGM rather than the perpetrators of this harmful practice.
As I noted in the report:
“Victims of FGM, including girls, should never have been prosecuted under the PFGM Act in Kenya. This glaring misapplication of the law not only undermines its intended purpose of protecting women and girls from this harmful practice but also deepens their trauma. The use of genital examinations as evidence without informed consent is a blatant violation of the accused’s rights to privacy and bodily autonomy. Legislative amendments are urgently needed, along with a victim-centered approach that prioritizes the protection and rehabilitation of survivors. This approach must ensure justice and prevent the further victimization of those the law aims to protect.”
📢 Legislative and systemic changes are imperative to ensure justice and uphold human rights. The report calls for victim-centered approaches, legislative amendments, and the prioritization of rehabilitation over criminalization for survivors of FGM.
Soft Launch of the Research Project: ‘Looking Back and Reaching Forward – Commemorating the International Decade for People of African Descent and the Human Rights of Women and Girls’
On December 11, 2024, I organized the soft launch of our project titled ‘Looking Back and Reaching Forward: Commemorating the International Decade for People of African Descent and the Human Rights of Women and Girls.’ This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to highlight and address the critical issues women and girls of African descent face.
The University of Dayton Human Rights Center, in collaboration with Gaynel Curry, expert member of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) along with student researchers, examined almost 600 concluding observations issues by four treaty bodies over the last ten years: the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Human Rights Committee (HRC), and the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW). Data collection and analysis focused on the nature and extent to which the concluding observations addressed women and girls of African descent.
We hosted a stellar lineup of speakers who are thought-leaders and change-makers in the field:
🎤June Soomer, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (Saint Lucia)
🎤Natalie Hudson, Executive Director, University of Dayton Human Rights Center
🎤Gaynel Curry, Member of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (Bahamas)
🎤Marion Bethel, Vice Chair and Rapporteur, CEDAW (Bahamas) 🎤 Tamara Thermitus, Lawyer Emeritus and Distinguished Boulton Senior Fellow at McGill University’s Faculty of Law (Canada)
🎤 Ana Barreto, Vice President for Latin America, Planned Parenthood Global (Brazil)
The final report will be launched in April 2024 at the fourth session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in New York. The research team is committed to expanding their work to include more in-depth analyses, case studies, and concrete recommendations that can effectively drive positive change globally for women and girls of African descent.
As an extension of this work, I have contributed a chapter, “Women of African Descent, Intersectionality, and Human Rights,” to the forthcoming book Routledge Minority Women, Rights, and Intersectionality: Agency, Power, and Participation, edited by Alexandra Cosima Budabin, Jody Metcalfe, and Shilpi Pandey.
North America launch of Choice and Conscience: Lessons from South Africa for a Global Debate
I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to launch ‘Choice and Conscience’ in North America at #UD hosted by University of Dayton University of Dayton Human Rights Center, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work & Women and Gender Studies Program on April 15, 2024. A huge thank you to the UD community for their support. Special thanks to Prof. Cindy Soohoo (CUNY Law) and Prof. Charles Ngwena (Yale/Pretoria) for their insightful discussion.
One of my most grateful moments was receiving this message:
“I sat in on the launch party and was so impressed by the thoughtfulness, passion, and insight you shared. I’m so thankful to share a world with people like you who think deeply and act purposefully to move us toward greater care for one another, especially our most vulnerable. You’re an inspiration, Satang.”
Book salon: ‘Choice and Conscience’ – an interview with Satang Nabaneh
As part of the Book Salons on Constitution, Courts, and Politics, UiB students, along with Siri Gloppen, hosted a book salon to interview me on April 30, 2024, on my book Choice and Conscience.
La objeción de conciencia: Sudáfrica y Argentina en clave comparada”: 3er webinario del curso El aborto en la Argentina
For #SafeAbortionDay, I participated in a webinar on “Conscientious objection: South Africa and Argentina from a comparative perspective” within the framework of the course Abortion in Argentina.
I joined over 90 professionals from #LatinAmerica for a webinar on “Conscientious objection: South Africa and Argentina from a comparative perspective” as part of the Abortion in Argentina course.
I shared insights from my book, “Elegir en conciencia: Lecciones de Sudáfrica para un debate global,” highlighting the role of law and the need to center lived experiences in building resilient health systems. Discussed #ChoiceandConscience, focusing on the role of leadership and clinical governance in building a resilient health system. Breaking systemic barriers requires united efforts from diverse professional sectors and disciplines.
Advancing Advocacy Strategies Against Female Genital Mutilation: Building Towards the MenEngage Africa SRHR Learning and Exchange Symposium
Organized by MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice on July 31, 2024, the webinar explored advocacy strategies, government policies, community-based interventions, and partnerships to address FGM in different contexts. The session aimed to highlight best practices, identify challenges, and foster collaboration. I presented The Gambian case study.
Engagement with the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP)
This session was an in-depth exploration of FGM as a specific form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and approaches parliamentarians can take to advocate for its eradication. I presented my experience from a law and human rights angle and offered recommendations to parliamentarians who wish to advocate this issue and related GBV.
Participants attended the CWP Workshop from Akwa-Ibom (Nigeria); The Bahamas; Benue (Nigeria); Borno (Nigeria); Eswatini; Gauteng (South Africa); The Gambia; India Union; Malawi; Malaysia; Namibia; New South Wales (Australia); Niger State (Nigeria); Nigeria Federal; North-West (South Africa); Pakistan; Tanzania; United Kingdom.
IV. Press and Appearances
Satang Nabaneh in the News
My work as an award-winning scholar-activist has garnered significant media attention. My thought-provoking insights have been featured in top-tier publications such as the New York Times, Reuters, Time, Africa Report, and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Think Global Health.
Dr. Satang Nabaneh Reflects on Decades of Impactful Female Gender Advocacy in Africa- 60 mins chat
I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in #60minutesafrica with Chat TV News, where we explored my journey as an activist-scholar dedicated to advancing gender equality across Africa.
Regarding The Gambia, I emphasized the importance of judicial independence in establishing the rule of law. To gain the confidence of Gambian citizens, it’s crucial to ensure that the judiciary is not only independent but also appears to be independent. We discussed the #Jammeh2Justice initiative and the potential bold move to extradite Jammeh from Equatorial Guinea back to Gambia for a trial, given his substantial support in the country.
I also highlighted the incredible work of the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), focusing on the Supreme Court of Kenya’s progressive judgment extending property rights protection in marriage to all forms of family-forming unions by 2023. ISLA recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and I have been in awe of its accomplishments as a powerhouse for women’s rights and strategic litigation across Africa. I am honored to be recognized and even more inspired to keep pushing for justice and equality.
Additionally, I spoke about the Human Rights Center as an innovative and interdisciplinary hub committed to human rights practice. I highlighted our commitment to curriculum innovation and global learning, expanding formal human rights courses, and providing impactful experiential learning opportunities for our students. We achieve this by building sustainable partnerships with human rights and development organizations and practitioners in Africa and other regions.
Interview: Putting the Rights Agenda in the Spotlight by the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
I was honored to share my perspective as a socio-legal scholar and human rights practitioner on researching activisms as a driver of social change in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Centre on Law and Social Transformation (Law Transform). I had an insightful chat about the rights research agenda with CMI, an independent development research institute in Norway. We delved into critical questions such as: How do human rights activists operate in a shrinking civic space? What are the most important achievements in the field? How can research contribute to the rights agenda, and how can we prevent the lines between research and activism from blurring? Where does the struggle stand now, and what are the benefits of bringing scholars and practitioners together?
“I believe we must do research with communities, not on them. Building stronger, equitable relationships with practitioners and local communities is key to making a real difference.”
African Network of Constitutional Lawyers Congress 2024 in Dakar, Senegal
I was privileged to present my paper on Colonial Imposition and Gender Discrimination: A Comparative Analysis of African and Caribbean Constitutions at the 2024 African Network of Constitutional Lawyers Congress in Dakar, Senegal, December 2-4, 2024.
This ongoing research explores colonialism’s enduring impact on gender equality. It focuses on how constitutional frameworks in post-colonial Commonwealth nations have perpetuated gender discrimination. These constitutions often exempt personal and customary laws from non-discrimination protections, reinforcing historical inequities.
In 2025, I will continue to explore this project through case studies from regions across the globe, including the Caribbean (Dominica and the Bahamas), Sub-Saharan Africa (The Gambia and Sierra Leone), Oceania (Fiji and the Solomon Islands), and Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Singapore).
I am also honored to share that I was elected as the Deputy Secretary General of the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers (ANCL). I look forward to contributing further to this organization’s important work in advancing constitutionalism and legal reform across Africa.
Roundtable Reflection on ECOWAS Court’s Jurisprudence
The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF), in collaboration with the Open Society Justice Initiative, cohosted a workshop from December 3-4, 2024, in Dakar for African jurists and scholars to review the ECOWAS Court’s jurisprudence and rules of procedure and brainstorm ways to support the Court best.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, established in 2001, plays a critical role in protecting human rights across West Africa. Its groundbreaking decisions have linked digital rights to freedom of expression and connected socio-economic rights to environmental protection. In a region grappling with democratic regression and impunity, the Court offers crucial access to justice where domestic remedies fall short.
This convening focused on the ECOWAS Court’s jurisprudence and its role in promoting access to justice and the rule of law across West Africa and the broader continent.
African Studies Association Annual Meeting
Thrilled to have attended the #ASA2024 conference themed #GlobalAfrica in Chicago, IL, from December 12 – 14, 2024. The experience was immensely enriching, filled with inspiring discussions and meaningful connections. As part of the panel, I chaired ‘Organizations and Unity Development as Global African Community Building,’ and presented my paper, “Unfinished Business: An Analysis of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.”
This paper analyzes the PFPAD’s role in amplifying the voices of people of African descent concerning racism, discrimination, and marginalization. It also critically reviews the draft UN Declaration on the promotion, protection, and full respect of the human rights of people of African descent. As the decade concludes, the paper critically examines the call for a second decade, focusing on themes of systemic racism, reparatory justice, and sustainable development. By analyzing the PFPAD’s mandate, this paper argues for its significance in advancing racial justice and equity for Afro-descended communities worldwide.
VI. Teaching and Mentorship
Guest lecture at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law
It was a pleasure to be a guest lecturer at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in the International Human Rights Law course on September 19, 2024. The class focused on “Conflict in Culture, Tradition, and Practices: Challenges to Universalism,” Chapter 7 of Philip Alston’s textbook.
We explored the complex issue of FGM and its challenges to universal human rights principles. This powerful session was enriched by the students’ thought-provoking questions about the legal and criminological implications, the risks of victim prosecution, The Gambia’s attempted rollback of the FGM ban, and the role of individuals from non-practicing communities, especially in the West, in advocating for change.
GIS for Human Rights Course
In the spring semester, I had the pleasure of piloting a co-taught class on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Human Rights. This course introduced the concepts and implementation of GIS analysis and applied the GIS tool to various human rights situations and investigations. It built on my leadership and legal technical expertise within the Tech and Human Rights Initiative.
We completed two geospatial technology investigations in collaboration with the University of Dayton’s Department of Geology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). One investigation focused on forced displacement and the destruction of property in Myanmar, while the other focused on mass graves in Syria.
My travels in 2024 spanned across diverse landscapes, each destination adding its unique flavor to my adventurous year!
VII. My 2024 Publications
Publications spotlight
Gender Trouble: Glocalization of Sexuality Education
With thanks to Human Rights in Context for publishing my latest piece on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). Global debates on sex education are intensifying, particularly around critical issues like LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and contraception. My piece explores this ‘glocal’ phenomenon by examining how these global conversations shape policies and practices across Africa and Latin America. 📚✍🏽
From the STOPCSE! Campaign in Kenya and South Africa to movements like “Con mis hijos no te metas” in Peru and “Escola sem partido” in Brazil, I explore the interplay between global trends and local contexts. By examining these diverse regions, I highlight both the distinct challenges and potential opportunities that emerge as they navigate this complex international landscape.
There is an urgent need for a cross-regional, interdisciplinary, and integrative approach that examines CSE at the global, regional, national, and local levels. Such an approach should center sexuality education as a key component of policy goals such as promoting sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and human rights.
Thesis (Ph.D.)– Democratization and autocratization at the University of Washington
I finally completed my doctoral research, “From Contemporary (Semi-Competitive) Authoritarian Regimes to Constitutional Democracies in Africa: Lessons from The Gambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe,” at the University of Washington, Seattle. I was incredibly privileged to work under the supervision of Walter J. Walsh (School of Law), Steve Pfaff (Department of Sociology), Edgar Kiser (Department of Sociology), and Nathalie E. Williams (Jackson School of International Studies). Their guidance and mentorship were invaluable throughout my doctoral program, greatly assisting me as I crafted this dissertation.
The research tackles four key questions. First, it investigates why authoritarian regimes choose to hold elections despite the inherent risks. Second, it explores the factors that influence regime stability or change. Third, the study examines the constitutions’ role in facilitating transitions from authoritarianism. Finally, it analyzes the dual role of elections, both legitimizing regimes and potentially leading to their downfall. The dissertation argues that authoritarian regimes strategically hold elections to bolster their legitimacy but face the risk of opposition mobilization and internal dissent. While these regimes manipulate legal frameworks to maintain control, the very constitutions they exploit can offer avenues for challenges, creating a precarious power balance.
Prospects for Democratic Consolidation in The Gambia: A Cup Half Full, Half Empty, or More?
After 22 years of uninterrupted authoritarian government headed by Yahya Jammeh, in 2017, The Gambia formally began the transition to democracy after the ‘unprecedented’ 2016 presidential elections. Incumbents in semi-competitive authoritarian regimes often retain power despite having to compete in multiparty elections regularly. What happened in The Gambia is the first time in post-colonial Africa’s political history that a ‘military-turned-civilian’ dictator lost an election. This transition sparks a key question: what are the prospects for democratic consolidation and constitution endurance in the Gambian case? While conventional assumptions categorized The Gambia as a ‘least likely’ case, it is argued that there is a fair chance for democratic consolidation, given The Gambia’s context of the withering of an authoritarian regime and its replacement by a democratic government. This chapter gives an overview of the constitutional change processes, the role of governing and judicial institutions, and the influence of entrenched political culture on democratic constitutional performance after more than two decades of autocratic rule.
In Daly TG & Samaratne, D (eds), Democratic Consolidation and Constitutional Endurance in Asia and Africa: Comparing Uneven Pathways. Oxford University Press, 2024)
Toward New Beginnings
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope for the year to come. I am committed to embracing new challenges, nurturing existing relationships, and striving for continuous growth. May 2025 be a year of progress, purpose, and profound personal and collective transformation.
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