President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong call for African governments to adopt legally binding frameworks to protect press freedom and the civic rights of marginalised groups, cautioning that democracy cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and repression.

Speaking at the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Mr Mahama stressed that inclusive governance and the protection of civic space are vital to the legitimacy and resilience of African states.

The annual dialogue, which convened in Addis Ababa under the theme “Justice, Right, Reparation, and State Building,” brought together political leaders, civil society organisations, and governance institutions from across the continent to explore structural solutions to persistent challenges undermining Africa’s democratic aspirations.

In a keynote address, Mr Mahama urged participants to push for concrete action beyond diplomatic statements. He called on African Union (AU) member states to commit to enforceable mechanisms that uphold freedom of expression, the right to protest, and inclusive participation in governance.

“I urge this dialogue to take a firm stand on the need for legally binding frameworks across all member states to safeguard our civic space,” he said. “We must protect the freedom of the press. The voices of the youth, women, and marginalised groups must be heard and protected.”

Mr Mahama emphasised that genuine democracy must serve the interests of all citizens, not just a select few. “Democracy cannot thrive in the presence of fear and repression. The legitimacy of our governments depends on the inclusion of all our people. Government must exist for all our people, not just a privileged few,” he stated.

His remarks come at a time when several African countries are facing growing concerns over shrinking civic space, attacks on journalists, and the suppression of opposition voices through restrictive laws and state actions.

Mr Mahama has been a vocal advocate for democratic governance and human rights across the continent. The High-Level Dialogue, organised by the African Union in collaboration with various continental institutions and international partners, is aimed at fostering critical reflection and advancing a human-centred approach to governance.

This year’s edition focused on justice, reparations for historical injustices, and building democratic institutions that reflect the will and needs of African citizens. Participants included AU Commissioners, ministers of state, legal scholars, human rights activists, and representatives of youth and women’s groups.

The dialogue is expected to culminate in a set of recommendations for the African Union and its member states to strengthen democracy and protect human rights across the continent.