PRESS RELEASE

Banjul, The Gambia — 14th May 2026 — The Institute for Human Rights and Development in
Africa (IHRDA) today submitted a status of implementation report to the African Commission on
Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), highlighting the continued failure of the Republic of South
Sudan to comply with the Commission’s landmark decision in Communication 801/2021 – Afekuru
Animu Risasi Amitai v. Republic of South Sudan.

Nearly two years after the ACHPR found South Sudan responsible for multiple violations of the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, including violations relating to nationality, dignity,
due process, freedom of movement, political participation, and work, the Government has yet to
take meaningful steps to implement the decision.

The report, submitted by IHRDA as legal representative of Ms. Afekuru Animu Risasi Amitai,
reveals that the Respondent State has failed to restore her nationality documents, provide
compensation, adopt safeguards against recurrence, or undertake training on nationality and
statelessness for relevant State agencies.

The report further notes that, following a formal inquiry by IHRDA in February 2026, the African
Commission confirmed that it had not received any information from South Sudan regarding
implementation of the decision and subsequently issued a reminder to the State requesting a
response within ninety days. To date, no implementation report has been submitted and Ms. Animu
remains stateless and undocumented.

“Regional human rights decisions cannot become symbolic pronouncements with no
implementation,” said the IHRDA legal team. “This case speaks directly to the authority of the
African human rights system and the obligation of States to comply with decisions issued by the
Commission. The continued silence and inaction by South Sudan leaves Ms. Animu in a situation
of prolonged legal uncertainty and denies her access to an effective remedy.”

Despite the lack of State action, Ms. Animu and her legal representatives have undertaken
sustained advocacy and engagement efforts over the past year. These have included
engagements at the highest levels with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNCHR)
officials, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the South Sudan Human Rights
Commission, African Union representatives, civil society organisations, and international media
outlets.

“For almost a decade, I have lived without the protection and recognition of a nationality,” said Ms.
Afekuru Animu Risasi Amitai. “Statelessness has affected every aspect of my life — my work, my
dignity, my sense of belonging and security. I continue to hope that South Sudan will respect the
Commission’s decision and restore my rights.”

In its submission to the Commission, IHRDA called on the ACHPR to take stronger follow-up
measures, including requiring South Sudan to submit a concrete implementation plan within a
shortened timeframe, convening an implementation hearing during an Ordinary Session, and
escalating the matter to the African Union policy organs in line with Article 54 of the African
Charter.

The organisation further urged the Commission’s Special Rapporteurs and relevant AU
mechanisms to actively engage the South Sudanese authorities to ensure implementation of the
decision and protection of Ms. Animu’s rights.

END

About IHRDA
The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) works to strengthen the
effectiveness of the African human rights system through strategic litigation, capacity building, and
information sharing.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Maimouna Jallow
Communication and Publications Manager
mjallow@ihrda.org
Tel:
+226 331 7347 (Gambia)
+34 608 919 919 (WhatsApp only)

Dennis Njoroge
Communication and Publications Officer
dnjoroge@ihrda.org
Tel:
+226 452 6155 (Gambia)
+254 746 129 297 (WhatsApp only)

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