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 edit
The Dispute Settlement Mechanism consists of the following institutions;
Dispute Settlement Body edit
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 edit
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 edit
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 edit
References edit
- ^ "B & P Associates | Dispute Settlement Under AfCFTA". Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ^ "Dispute Resolution Protocols In African Continental Free Trade Area: Reviewing Existing Protocols And Rules - International Trade & Investment - Nigeria". www.mondaq.com. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ^ "9th Meeting of the AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Body - AfCFTA". 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ^ Advocates, Integri Solicitors &. "Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Under AfCFTA". Integri Solicitors & Advocates. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ^ "The AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism as part of a continental Trade Regime - tralac trade law centre". www.tralac.org. Retrieved 2023-06-20.