ADDIS ABABA: The 14th annual conference of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) commenced today at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This significant gathering brought together representatives from 54 national lawyers’ associations and 5 sub-regional associations, along with numerous legal professionals from across Africa and the diaspora, under the theme “Africa as a Global Powerhouse: Empowering Minds, Enlightening Paths.”
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the four-day conference aims to amplify the voices of African lawyers and address critical legal matters impacting the continent. Key objectives discussed include promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, safeguarding the independence of judges and the legal profession, and advocating for good governance and democracy across Africa.
The agenda is set to cover a variety of pressing issues, including the independence of the legal profession, handling cross-border commercial disputes, and addressing the sovereign debt cris
is, which are pivotal to enhancing legal practice across the continent. Additionally, the conference provides a platform for participants from various parts of the world, including continental and international bar and advocacy organizations, to engage and collaborate on these crucial topics.
Established in 2002, PALU stands as the premier continental forum for lawyers and lawyers’ associations in Africa. The union strives to reflect the aspirations and concerns of the African people and to promote and defend their shared interests. This year’s conference is a testament to PALU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the legal profession and advancing the rule of law in Africa.