Traditional rulers from more than 46 African countries and the African diaspora have taken a historic step towards institutionalising indigenous leadership across the continent after unanimously adopting the Addis Ababa Declaration establishing the African Traditional Leaders Council (ATLC).
The landmark decision was reached on Thursday at the African Union Headquarters during the African Traditional Leaders Forum 2026, where kings, chiefs and other traditional leaders endorsed the creation of a continent-wide platform to champion indigenous governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation and sustainable development.
The declaration was adopted by acclamation after deliberations under Thematic Area Four: Traditional Governance, Indigenous Economies and Sustainable Development.
The session opened with a keynote address by His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Nigeria, who presented the proposed Addis Ababa Declaration before delegates debated and endorsed it.
The discussions were moderated by His Royal Highness Chief Kyalo Muli I, leader of the Anzauni Clan of Kenya’s Akamba community and Party Leader of the National Liberal Party, alongside a panel comprising Kgosi Fredrick Mogane of South Africa, Prince Ajinga Justin Tanyi of Cameroon, Gen. Brigadier Wallace Williams, representing the African diaspora, and eSwatini Minister S’Khumbuzo Dlamini.
Following the presentations and debate, Chief Kyalo Muli put the proposal to the assembly.
“Those in favour of the formation of the African Traditional Leaders Council, say AYE,” he called.
