In this post, Johannes Socher and Prof. Charles M. Fombad, co-editors of the book Constitutionalisation of Political Parties and the State of Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa, share the key findings and recommendations from the publication, offering insights on how to strengthen constitutional and legal frameworks governing political parties in the region.

In this week’s post, Dr. Tracey Kanhanga examines how future generations of African descent are likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change, drawing on the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on climate obligations. She emphasises that the UN General Assembly’s second question to the ICJ—concerning future generations—is particularly relevant to Africa, where most of the world’s population will reside, yet where communities risk remaining trapped in a vicious cycle of vulnerability.

In this week’s blog, Dr. Enam K. Antonio examines how the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on climate obligations reshapes Africa’s approach to its 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). She explains that the Court interprets “highest possible ambition” as a binding legal standard, not just a political goal, requiring states to align ambition with their real capacities.

In commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, Dr. Lydia Chibwe reflects on the landmark entry into force of the Older Persons Protocol, the first legally binding regional instrument protecting the rights of older Africans. While its adoption marks historic progress, she underscores that the real challenge lies in implementation—through domestication, funding, monitoring, and tackling ageism. She further stresses that governments, civil society, and regional bodies must work together to ensure the Protocol moves beyond ratification and meaningfully transforms the lives of millions.