On Thursday 8 October 2026, from 14:20 to 15:20, RFLD convenes Panel 1 of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, at the Pullman Dakar Teranga. RFLD is a partner of the Forum, convened by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS).
The question: what does an Afrofeminist reading of shrinking civic space tell us about protecting freedom of expression, association and assembly in Africa, and what practical steps can States and the African Commission take to defend those freedoms?
Speakers
- Moderator: John GBENAGNON, Director of Strategy and Development, RFLD
- Omolara Balogun, Head of Policy Influencing and Advocacy, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
- Naji Moulay Lahsen, Executive Director, CIDH Africa
- Bathor Seck, RFLD Country Director for Senegal
Why it matters
Restrictive laws on associations, surveillance of defenders and online harassment weigh first on women-led organisations, which often work far from capitals and with few resources. Looking at civic space through the experience of these organisations shows which protections work in practice and which remain on paper. The recommendations from the panel will feed into the resolutions and recommendations adopted at the close of the Forum on 10 October.
The panel is part of RFLD’s programme for the 89th Session, which continues on 12 October with the panel “Defending without being exposed” on the main agenda of the Commission. Follow RFLD on Facebook, LinkedIn and X for updates from Dakar. Media enquiries: communications.info@rflgd.org.
