Johannesburg, South Africa – 8 April 2025 – The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC), members of the diplomatic corps in South Africa, representatives from academia and APRM structures, as well as staff of the APRM Continental Secretariat gathered in the Oliver Reginald Tambo Building at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria to mark the twenty-second anniversary of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
In her welcome address, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, reaffirmed the APRM’s role as a testament to finding African solutions to Africa’s problems. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of O.R. Tambo’s principled leadership and solidarity, she lamented how Africa has often been viewed through the lens of foreign interventions. Ambassador Rose-Quatre highlighted the numerous reviews conducted by the APRM over the past two decades and emphasized the expanding scope of the APRM’s mandate, now covering six thematic areas, with e-governance being the most recent addition. She urged policymakers to embrace Africa’s greatest asset, its youth, a vital force for entrepreneurship and activism.
Quoting Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s message on the importance of unity, the CEO underscored that Africans are the architects, custodians, and champions of their own destiny. She concluded her remarks by expressing gratitude to South Africa for hosting the APRM Continental Secretariat and to Algeria for its unwavering support of the APRM’s ideals.
Celebrating a Milestone: AFRM’s Role in Africa’s Governance
Dr. Vasu Gounden, founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), congratulated the APRM for its milestone achievement. He described the Mechanism as a beacon of hope and a unique, self-driven initiative that demonstrates Africa’s commitment to democracy and good governance. Dr. Gounden expressed pride in ACCORD’s partnership with the APRM, reaffirming the organization’s continued dedication to advancing social justice and positive change across the continent.
Professor Simekwane, speaking on behalf of Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), praised the APRM’s significant contributions to academia. He emphasized that good governance and politics go hand in hand and acknowledged the APRM’s vital role in advancing governance on the continent.
Support for APRM’s Work: A Shared Commitment to African Progress
H.E. Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the AU and Chairperson of the PSC for April 2025, highlighted the APRM’s role in self-assessment and early warning, which have been key to preventing governance crises before they escalate. She noted the importance of equipping Africa’s growing youth population with the necessary skills to drive change and acknowledged the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area to help fulfil youth aspirations. H.E. Otengo also expressed appreciation for the APRM’s work and emphasized the time needed for careful engagement and sound decision-making.
Honourable Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), also celebrated the APRM’s achievements, pointing out the importance of March in African institution-building, with the founding of the APRM, PAP, and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He echoed H.E. Otengo’s call for time to thoroughly analyse review reports, underscoring the importance of careful consideration of the APRM’s work.
Honourable Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister of Public Service and Administration and APRM Focal Point for South Africa, reflected on the continued success of the APRM, highlighting South Africa’s contributions and commitment to the Mechanism. He noted South Africa’s pride in being one of the founding fathers of the APRM and emphasized the importance of the recommendations from APRM review reports, citing the positive reforms stemming from South Africa’s second-generation country review in 2021. Honourable Buthelezi also noted the leadership of women within the APRM in 2024, highlighting the Mechanism’s commitment to inclusivity and institutional stability.
Keynote Address and APRM’s Strategic Future
In her keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Selma Bakhta Mansouri, Algeria’s Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the APR Committee of Focal Points, described the APRM as a symbol of hope and empowerment for African countries, enabling them to voluntarily monitor and improve their governance. She emphasized the importance of continued investment in the APRM, noting that governance is a collective effort requiring sustained dialogue and commitment. Ambassador Mansouri urged participants to renew their dedication to the APRM’s mandate, as the prosperity and well-being of African nations depend on the successful implementation of its mandate.
The celebration also featured cultural performances that brought joy and vibrancy to the event. The gathering provided a platform for the official launch of the APRM’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which was endorsed by the 34th Ordinary Summit of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government earlier this year.
Following a presentation by Mr. Dalmar Jama, Principal Strategic Planning Officer at the APRM Continental Secretariat, H.E. Ambassador Selma Bakhta Mansouri launched the Strategic Plan alongside Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre. The ceremony also included the awarding of a certificate of service to Mr. Jama, who was recognized for his 21 years of dedicated service to the APRM. The event concluded with the cutting of an anniversary cake and a cocktail reception, celebrating the APRM’s achievements and renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s future.
