AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism explained

The AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism is a mechanism established under the Protocol on Rules and Engagement on the settlement of disputes under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.[1]

It was designed to provide a forum for the amicable, transparent and swift resolution of disputes between State Parties under the conditions of the agreement[2]

Components

The Dispute Settlement Mechanism consists of the following institutions;

Dispute Settlement Body

The Dispute Settlement Body is the main decision making responsible for the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. It is mandated to establish the panels and Appellate Body and their reports.[3]

Adjudicating Panels

The Adjudicating Panels are responsible for hearing and resolving disputes between state parties. They are composed of three experts who are appointed by the Dispute Settlement Body.[4]

Appellate Body

This is a second tier review body that hears appeals of panel decisions. It is composed of seven independent experts who are appointed by the DSB.[5]

See also

References

  1. Web site: B & P Associates Dispute Settlement Under AfCFTA . 2023-06-20 . en-US.
  2. Web site: Dispute Resolution Protocols In African Continental Free Trade Area: Reviewing Existing Protocols And Rules - International Trade & Investment - Nigeria . 2023-06-20 . www.mondaq.com.
  3. Web site: 2023-03-22 . 9th Meeting of the AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Body - AfCFTA . 2023-06-20 . en-US.
  4. Web site: Advocates . Integri Solicitors & . Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Under AfCFTA . 2023-06-20 . Integri Solicitors & Advocates . en-GB.
  5. Web site: The AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism as part of a continental Trade Regime - tralac trade law centre . 2023-06-20 . www.tralac.org.