The President of the African Bar Association (AfBA), High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark, has called for stronger cooperation among legal professionals and human rights advocates across Africa and the United States to combat racial discrimination, state-sponsored violence and political repression.
Mark made the call in an address to the Annual Conference of the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL), holding from October 8 to 10, 2026, at the City University of New York School of Law, United States.
The conference, themed “Organising Intergenerational Warriors Against State-Sponsored Violence and Political Repression—Here and Abroad,” brings attention to the need for collective action against racial injustice, human rights violations and discriminatory practices.
Addressing participants, the AfBA President emphasised the historical and cultural ties between Africa and Black communities in the United States.
He said the shared experiences of slavery, racial segregation, discrimination and systemic oppression had created enduring bonds of solidarity and a common determination to pursue freedom, dignity and justice.
Mark acknowledged the enormous contributions of Black Americans to the development of the United States, particularly in law, science, education, business, politics and culture.
However, he expressed concern that racial prejudice, discriminatory profiling, unequal treatment and disproportionate security enforcement continued to undermine the rights and dignity of Black communities.
According to him, the persistence of these challenges underscores the need for sustained advocacy, stronger institutions and cooperation across generations and national boundaries.
“We must therefore organise across generations, borders, and institutions to confront state-sponsored violence, resist political repression, and strengthen the institutions that protect human rights and the rule of law,” he declared.
The AfBA President maintained that genuine national development and prosperity could not be achieved where citizens experienced unequal treatment under the law.
“No society can truly prosper where justice is unequal, dignity is conditional, and the colour of one’s skin determines the treatment one receives from the state,” he stated.
He called for renewed efforts to build societies where equality goes beyond constitutional guarantees and public declarations to become a practical reality in the administration of justice and everyday life.
Mark also expressed hope for greater progress, peace, inclusion and prosperity for Black communities in America, stressing the importance of equal opportunities and unrestricted access to justice.
In a significant declaration of solidarity, the AfBA President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the National Conference of Black Lawyers in its advocacy for racial equality, accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights.
“Let me reaffirm that the African Bar Association stands as a generational ally of the National Conference of Black Lawyers,” he said.
He pledged that AfBA would continue to support the NCBL’s efforts to secure equal treatment, strengthen accountability in public institutions and promote access to justice in the United States and beyond.
Mark further urged lawyers, civil rights organisations and human rights defenders to strengthen intergenerational cooperation in confronting injustice and defending vulnerable communities.
He stressed that the struggle against discrimination and political repression required sustained collective action, courageous advocacy and a shared commitment to the rule of law.
“As we deliberate on this theme, may we renew our commitment to intergenerational solidarity, courageous advocacy, and collective action. Let our voices be firm, our resolve unwavering, and our pursuit of justice relentless,” he said.
The AfBA President concluded by reminding participants that the protection of human dignity transcends geographical boundaries, nationalities and racial identities.
“The struggle for justice knows no borders, and the defence of human dignity is our common responsibility,” he declared.
He wished the National Conference of Black Lawyers a successful conference and expressed hope that its deliberations would strengthen international cooperation in advancing justice, equality and fundamental human rights.
Pictures of the African Bar Association President, High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark with members of the National Conference of Black Lawyers (NBCL) are shown below:
