Events

Swaleh Mwangi & Company and Aztan are delighted to celebrate Attorney Swaleh Kanyeki’s participation in the 14th Annual Conference of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), held from October 16 to 19, 2024, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Attorney Kanyeki represented the members of the Azatan Network for Campaigning and Consultancy, underscoring our firm’s commitment to engaging with pivotal legal developments across the continent.

Conference Overview

The conference convened representatives from 54 national lawyers’ associations and five sub-regional associations, alongside numerous legal professionals from Africa and the diaspora. Themed “Africa as a Global Powerhouse: Empowering Minds, Enlightening Paths,” the four-day event aimed to amplify the voices of African lawyers on critical legal matters. citeturn0search0

Key Objectives and Discussions

The conference focused on several pressing issues affecting legal practice in Africa, including:

• Promoting and Protecting Fundamental Human Rights: Emphasizing the role of legal professionals in safeguarding human rights across the continent.
• Safeguarding the Independence of Judges and the Legal Profession: Addressing challenges to judicial independence and exploring strategies to maintain the autonomy of legal practitioners.
• Advocating for Good Governance and Democracy: Highlighting the importance of legal frameworks in promoting transparent and accountable governance.

The agenda also included discussions on the independence of the legal profession, cross-border commercial disputes, the sovereign debt crisis, and other pertinent issues impacting legal practice in Africa.

Notable Sessions and Collaborations

A significant highlight was the mentorship session organized by the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL), in partnership with Equality Now and PALU. This session provided a platform for senior legal professionals to share insights with early-career practitioners, emphasizing integrity, excellence, hard work, and the importance of building professional networks.

Attorney Kanyeki’s Contributions

Attorney Swaleh Kanyeki actively participated in various sessions, bringing valuable perspectives from the Azatan Network for Campaigning and Consultancy. His involvement underscored our firm’s dedication to addressing legal challenges and contributing to the discourse on Africa’s development through legal empowerment.

Looking Ahead

The insights and connections gained from the conference are poised to enhance our firm’s capacity to navigate complex legal landscapes and advocate effectively for our clients. We remain committed to upholding the principles discussed at PALU 2024 and look forward to implementing strategies that align with the vision of a united, just, and prosperous Africa, built on the rule of law and good governance.

We extend our gratitude to PALU for organizing this impactful conference and to all participants for their contributions toward advancing the legal profession in Africa.