Abstract: Regional economic communities (RECs) in Africa are sub-regional intergovernmental organizations of African states established primarily for economic integration. However, in the last two decades, two of these RECs, namely — the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Community (EAC), have become active forums for human rights protection. In addition to their core jurisdiction in trade, investment and other economic matters, the Courts of these economic communities have also obtained the jurisdiction to adjudicate human rights claims. In this Article, we highlight how the ECOWAS Court, and the East African Community Court of Justice (EACJ) are protecting Internet access and the enjoyment of human rights in the digital environment on a continent that is gaining notoriety for ‘Internet blackouts.’
Cite as: Christopher Yaw Nyinevi & Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew, "“Let the NetWork”: The Role of African Sub-Regional Courts in Protecting Internet Access and human Rights in the Digital Environment", Volume 3, AfJIEL (2022), 203-223.