Africa’s Extractive Future Under Spotlight As Rights Forum Opens In Dakar
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Africa races to meet the world’s growing demand for critical minerals, the question is no longer just about who controls the resources, but how those resources are governed without sacrificing human rights, communities, and the environment.
This concern will take centre stage as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) convenes its 5th Regional Forum on Extractive Industries, Business and Human Rights, and Environment in Africa from May 5 to 6, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal.
The forum, organised through ACHPR’s Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment and Human Rights Violations in Africa, is themed: “Advancing Responsible Extractive Governance in Africa and in the Context of the Global Rush for Critical Minerals: Insights from 40 Years of Promotion of the African Charter.”
Supported by the Open Society Foundations, the gathering aims to strengthen accountability in Africa’s extractive sector by ensuring that mining, oil, and gas operations align with human rights standards and environmental protection.
According to the Commission, the forum will serve as a major multi-stakeholder platform bringing together governments, policymakers, civil society groups, affected communities, extractive industry players, academia, and development partners to address pressing governance challenges.
Key discussions will focus on improving accountability for extractive-related human rights violations, environmental damage, water governance concerns, and the practical implementation of ACHPR’s recommendations and soft law standards.
The forum will also promote inclusive and sustainable natural resource governance, while supporting the integration of African Charter standards into broader African Union frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the Africa Mining Vision.
The event will be led by Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso and Commissioner Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana, alongside expert members and staff of the Commission’s Secretariat.
Observers say the forum comes at a crucial time as African nations seek to balance economic growth from natural resources with the urgent need to protect local communities and ecosystems from exploitation.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n�