Africa’s democracy depends on resilient institutions – Appeal Court President Dongban-Mensem

The President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has called on African leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold constitutional governance and protect judicial independence as critical steps towards safeguarding democracy across the continent.

Dongban-Mensem made the call on Tuesday while delivering her address at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, held at the International Conference Centre in Bauchi.

The event, hosted by former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, was themed, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

Represented by Justice Mistura Bolaji, the President of the Court of Appeal described the dialogue as timely, citing the political, technological and socio-economic challenges confronting many African nations.

She said the future of democracy in Africa would depend largely on the strength and resilience of its institutions.

“The strength of democratic governance is at all times anchored in strong and robust institutions, dedicated adherence to constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law, and an enduring commitment to justice, accountability and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” she said.

Dongban-Mensem noted that the judiciary occupies a unique constitutional position as the impartial interpreter of the law, the guardian of constitutional order and the protector of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

She also described political parties as the foundation of democratic participation and leadership development, stressing that both political parties and the judiciary must work to preserve democratic legitimacy and sustain public confidence in governance.

“Their respective constitutional mandates, though distinct, converge in the shared responsibility of preserving democratic legitimacy and sustaining public confidence in governance,” she said.

The President of the Court of Appeal argued that deeper engagement on the relationship between political institutions and the judiciary had become increasingly important across Africa.

“Meaningful dialogue on this institutional relationship is therefore both timely and necessary for the continued advancement of democracy throughout Africa,” she added.