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Rabat — Morocco’s head of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) Amina Bouayach brings a bold vision to Cape Verde this week: an Africa completely free of torture.
The leader of the African Network of National Preventive Mechanisms Against Torture, she guides representatives from 15 African nations in pursuit of this ambitious goal.
“Zero torture is not just a slogan — it’s a practical goal we aim to achieve through prevention mechanisms, transparency, and responsible use of technology,” Bouayach said in her opening speech of the two-day conference in Praia.
From Marrakech to around the continent
Bouayach launched this continental effort in Marrakech in 2023, where African nations signed the foundational “Marrakech Declaration.” Cape Town hosted the second conference in 2024, building institutional capacity. Now, Praia marks the third annual gathering, focusing specifically on “Technology and Torture Prevention.”
The network’s permanent secretariat operates from Morocco under Bouayach’s guidance, chosen by member states to coordinate continental anti-torture efforts.
“After the foundational Marrakech meeting and Cape Town’s capacity-building focus, the Praia conference continues our institutional development toward an integrated African vision for torture prevention,” she explained.
Technology meets human rights
This year’s conference breaks new ground by examining how digital tools can strengthen prevention efforts. Sessions will explore using technology during facility visits, report preparation, and capacity building for national mechanisms.
Bouayach focused on the need for balance, saying: “We must use technology responsibly,” pointing out concerns about data protection and individual privacy in human rights work.
African solutions philosophy
Bouayach’s approach centers on homegrown solutions rather than imported models. “Africa doesn’t need to copy anyone — it needs to create its own solutions,” she said. “Our initiative is African… from Africa for Africa’s benefit… by African hands for all Africans.”
The conference includes participants from Morocco, Cape Verde, Senegal, South Africa, Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Nigeria. International organizations, including the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, are also participating.
During the Cape Verde meeting, the network will adopt internal regulations, select an East Africa representative, and announce next year’s host country.
“Organizing our conference this year is another step in our effort to contribute to building a more humane future for Africa together,” Bouayach concluded.
Her leadership transforms the fight against torture from individual national efforts into a coordinated continental movement, positioning Africa to lead global human rights innovation through technology and cooperation.
