Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Senegalese Commissioner Idrissa Sow has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), following a vote held during the Commission’s 85th Ordinary Session currently underway in Banjul.

Commissioner Sow will lead and coordinate the activities of the 11-member Commission for a two-year term, alongside Tunisian Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, who was elected Vice-Chairperson.

The new leadership succeeds Hon. Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu of the Republic of Congo and Hon. Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie of The Gambia, who previously served as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively.

The election, conducted on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, was held in accordance with Article 42(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Rule 14 of the Commission’s 2020 Rules of Procedure.

Established under Article 30 of the African Charter, which entered into force on 21 October 1986, the ACHPR is an autonomous treaty body of the African Union mandated to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights across the continent.

The Commission also interprets provisions of the African Charter upon request by State Parties and carries out other tasks directed by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Currently, 54 of the 55 AU member states have ratified the African Charter, reflecting the continent’s near-universal commitment to the standards enshrined in it.

Over the years, the implementation of the Charter has strengthened the legitimacy of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, political opposition, and the media—furthering the principles of accountability and fundamental freedoms across Africa.

The 85th Ordinary Session of the Commission, taking place in The Gambia—the seat of the ACHPR—brings together Commissioners, State representatives, and human rights actors to deliberate on pressing human rights issues on the continent.