This week, ministers, judges, senior African policymakers and legal practitioners will meet in Dar es Salaam to consider how to strengthen the rule of law as a driver of development.
Co-hosted by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Government of Tanzania, the summit will address the rule of law in the context of commitments by leaders to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Irene Khan, Director-General of the IDLO said: “With the rule of law now at the heart of development goals and aspirations, it is timely to explore its vast potential as an enabler of other goals on the continent.
“The rule of law provides the framework for transparent, responsive and accountable institutions, which strengthen people's trust and confidence, and by doing so, promote peaceful societies as well as sustainable development.
“It is the basis for encouraging investment to grow, for the environment to be protected, for the poor to be empowered, for women to become agents of their own destiny, and for young people to find hope and opportunity in the future.
“This important meeting will provide a platform for participants to engage in strategy and policy discussions, exchange knowledge and experience, and build on existing partnerships within Africa and with the international community.”
The conference, which takes place from June 1-2, has attracted high-level participation from across the continent and beyond.
They include Augustine Mahiga, Minster of Foreign Affairs, Tanzania; Harrison Mwakyembe, Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Tanzania; Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania; Isaque Chande, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mozambique; Paulino Wanawilla Unango, Minister of Justice, South Sudan; Nanette Thomas, Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Sierra Leone; Harriet G. Bardio, Deputy Minister of Justice for Economic Affairs, Liberia; and Albie Sachs, Former Judge at the Constitutional Court of Justice, South Africa.
Discussions will include rule of law in the context of building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions; constitutional and legal reform; access to justice, with a focus on health and gender; and investing in the rule of law for economic development.
IDLO is the only intergovernmental organization with a dual mandate to promote the rule of law and development, with over 30 years’ expertise in judicial reform, access to justice, legal empowerment and economic opportunity.