06/08/2026
We've spent the past few days looking at how civil society organizations can use African Union policies, frameworks and legal instruments to strengthen advocacy. Here's what that looks like in practice using the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).
Ratifying the Charter is an important milestone, but it is not the finish line. It's the beginning of implementation.
The has been signed by 46 AU Member States, and 39 have ratified it. Yet only two countries have submitted implementation reports. That gap tells an important story: Ratification establishes a commitment. Implementation shows whether that commitment is being carried out.
This is where can make a difference.
Start by understanding your country's position. Has it signed the Charter? Has it ratified it? What obligations does the Charter place on the State, and which institutions are responsible for implementing them?
Then gather evidence. Compare the Charter's commitments with what is happening on the ground. Are meeting democratic standards? Are women and participating in decision-making? Are constitutional principles being upheld? Community experiences, research and data can help identify implementation gaps.
Work with others. Coalitions of civil society organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders can strengthen and present a clearer case for action.
Develop recommendations. Depending on your country's circumstances, that could mean advocating for ratification, calling for legal or policy reforms, or pushing for stronger implementation of commitments that already exist.
Keep monitoring progress. Advocacy does not end when a Charter is ratified. Continue tracking implementation, documenting evidence and engaging decision-makers.
For example, civil society organizations in several African countries have continued their advocacy beyond ratification, recognizing that the real measure of progress was whether the Charter's commitments were reflected in laws, institutions and practices.
The same approach can be applied to many African Union policies, frameworks and legal instruments. Understanding the document is the first step. Using it to support evidence-based advocacy is what gives it practical value.