The 20th statutory meeting of the African Association of High Francophone Jurisdictions (AA-HJF) opened its doors in Kinshasa on Wednesday, December 18. This international event brings together two hundred participants, mostly senior magistrates from French-speaking countries, for a series of three days of symposiums under the theme “Assessment of the contribution of justice to the strengthening of democracy in French-speaking Africa”.
During his inaugural speech, the President of the Constitutional Court of the DRC, Mr. Dieudonné Kamuleta, made a solemn appeal to the guests, in particular to the magistrates of the high African courts, university professors and legal professionals. He urged them to evaluate their past actions in order to better anticipate the future and strengthen democracy within the AA-HJF.
Mr. Kamuleta invited his peers to work rigorously to ensure the success of these meetings by sharing their experiences on the administration of justice in their respective countries, with the aim of consolidating the rule of law. He stressed that the evolution of States in French-speaking Africa is characterized by a shift from the “law of force to the force of law”.
This prestigious event offers a unique platform for exchanges and reflections for major players in justice in French-speaking African countries. It highlights the challenges and opportunities related to democracy, and proposes innovative solutions to strengthen the judicial system in a constantly changing context.
The meetings of the African Association of Francophone High Courts are part of a dynamic of continuous improvement of justice in Africa, by promoting cooperation between nations and encouraging constructive dialogue on crucial issues related to democracy and the rule of law. These discussions will undoubtedly stimulate discussion and open up new perspectives for ever more equitable and transparent justice on the continent.