Pan African Lawyers Union to Address Legal Challenges at Addis Ababa Conference

ADDIS ABABA — The 14th annual Conference of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) will take place in Addis Ababa from October 16-19, 2024, focusing on a broad array of legal issues impacting the continent. Key themes include the independence of the judiciary, human rights, and governance, under the overarching theme ‘Africa as a Global Powerhouse: Empowering Minds, Enlightening Paths.’

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the PALU Council Executive Committee has commenced a two-day meeting to finalize the annual reports and set the agenda for the upcoming conference. This pivotal gathering will host representatives from 54 national lawyers’ associations, five sub-regional associations, and numerous legal professionals from Africa and its diaspora.

The conference aims to strengthen the voice of African lawyers in advocating for judicial independence, addressing commercial disputes across borders, and tackling the sovereign debt crisis among other critical issues. More than 300 attendees, including members from continental and international bar associations, advocacy organizations, and representatives from the African Union and UN agencies, are expected to participate.