President Taye Stresses Need for Implementing Strong Constitutions that Protect People's Rights in Africa

Addis Ababa, November 28, 2025 (ENA) — President Taye Atske Selassie stressed today the importance of realizing strong constitutions that hold leaders accountable and protect people's rights in Africa.

Speaking at the 4th International Symposium of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa(CCJA) in Addis Ababa,  the President underscored the critical necessity of establishing and maintaining robust constitutional frameworks that extend beyond the mere enactment of laws across Africa.

Constitutionalism fundamentally involves enshrining the rule of law, establishing accountability, and ensuring respect for fundamental rights of all citizens, he noted, emphasizing that the legitimacy of any government derives directly from the consent of the people; and constitutions play a vital role in delineating the distribution of power and clarifying how state authority should be exercised effectively.

“The legitimacy that necessitates the wish and desire of the people is the very requisite for statute and the foundation of state building,” the President added.

Drawing from his extensive experience on Ethiopia’s constitutional drafting commission, he spoke about Ethiopia's historical quest for constitutional development.

Noting that the current constitutional framework is designed to manage the nation’s diversity while upholding a sense of unity under the rule of law, President Taye firmly condemned the troubling rise of unconstitutional changes in government.

Such actions are a direct affront to both the established principles of constitutional governance and the African Union's foundational act, he emphasized.

The President called on African nations to maintain a clear vision for a united and peaceful continent, asserting that constitutions must become the very soul of governance and the anchor of unity among diverse peoples.

It is “only when institutions are rooted in justice and leaders are elected by citizens can we truly achieve the ambitious goals of Agenda 2063,” he concluded.

On his part, the representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson Ali Youssouf emphasized the critical role that independent courts play in fostering stability and building public trust.

 

 

According to the representative, respect for constitutions is key to this effort as constitutions function as living agreements that embody principles of fairness, justice, and mutual respect among citizens and institutions alike.

CCJA President Luke Malaba urged for confidence in Africa's potential for positive transformation. "Africa is making positive changes. We have to have faith in ourselves," he asserted with conviction.

The President said that he viewed the symposium as a significant opportunity to scrutinize whether governments genuinely serve the needs of their citizens, advocating for a transformation of Africa's constitutions driven by the people of Africa themselves.

 

 

This gathering aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 goals, which emphasize peace, unity, and prosperity for the continent. It marks a pivotal moment for collaboration among African constitutional organizations, facilitating open discussions and the exchange of knowledge, Malaba stated.

Ethiopia's Federal Supreme Court President and Head of the Council of Constitutional Inquiry, Tewodros Mihret elaborated on the vital connection between constitutionalism and state-building.

"By improving governance through the reinforcement of the rule of law and the protection of human rights, we can accelerate the progress of Africa," he said.

 

 

The Supreme Court President underscored the essential role of constitutional courts in interpreting the highest laws, enforcing constitutional mandates, and maintaining institutional stability even in the face of social challenges.

The international symposium underway under the theme "Constitutionalism and State Building in Africa" will end on November 30, 2025.