My name is Antonin Pinchart, and I am a French student of public international law. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) in Banjul, The Gambia. It was an enriching experience, both professionally and personally.

Being an Intern at IHRDA

One of the most interesting aspects of IHRDA is the diversity of its work. The organisation not only litigates before African regional human rights mechanisms but also promotes human rights through capacity-building programmes involving a wide range of civil society actors. As an intern, this gave me the opportunity to participate in many different activities.

My internship supervisor was Raphaël Birindwa Rukundabahizi, a French-speaking Legal Officer. He assigned me tasks directly related to litigation, including conducting legal research, drafting case memoranda and participating in meetings with victims of human rights violations.

I also worked with other Legal Officers on a range of assignments, including reviewing footage, preparing case assessment memoranda and amicus curiae interventions, and writing reports on the activities of African human rights bodies. These assignments helped me strengthen my legal research and writing skills in both French and English.

Beyond litigation, I participated in capacity-building activities, including a training programme for Gambian journalists on child-sensitive reporting, organised in partnership with the Gambia Press Union and UNICEF. I also attended a workshop on transitional justice with a delegation of Liberian women human rights defenders who visited IHRDA’s offices through a programme supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Living in The Gambia

Outside the office, my time in The Gambia was equally rewarding. Having Friday afternoons free gave me plenty of opportunities to explore the Smiling Coast of Africa. The people I met were welcoming and generous in sharing their culture.

One of my favourite experiences was taking drumming lessons with a local instructor, who introduced me to different rhythms and their cultural significance. I also explored nature at places such as the Bijilo Monkey Park and the Kachikally Crocodile Pool. During a day trip to Senegal’s Fathala Wildlife Reserve, I had the chance to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes and monkeys.

Food was another highlight. Banjul has plenty of restaurants serving traditional Gambian dishes at affordable prices, including domoda (peanut stew), yassa (meat or chicken prepared with lemon, mustard and onions) and benachin, the Gambian version of jollof rice. And, of course, I quickly discovered the friendly rivalry over who makes the best jollof rice! If you haven’t heard, they just won the 2026 Jollof Rice Competition Champion at this year’s West Africa Food Festival. Again!

Experiencing Gambian food culture also meant enjoying wonjo (hibiscus) and baobab juice, as well as tapalapa bread, which nearly made me forget about the French baguette.

I also found time to work out and play basketball, with several gyms located close to the office. And after work, The Gambia’s beautiful beaches offered the perfect place to relax with a cold drink.

Looking back, my internship at IHRDA gave me valuable practical experience in human rights law, the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals and a chance to discover a new country and culture.

For anyone considering an internship at IHRDA, I can only encourage you to take the opportunity!