As a member of YD Monitoring Body, AFRAA joined the AUC, in collaboration with
UNECA at the inaugural meeting of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM)
Administrative Council from 25 to 27 June 2025 in Dakar, Senegal.
The overarching message emphasized that the establishment of the DSM was not a mere
procedural formality, but rather a bold and strategic commitment to the full
implementation of SAATM. According to AFCAC, the DSM is not simply a desirable
feature, but a necessary, dynamic, and trusted system to support and strengthen the
African aviation industry.
UNECA underscored that the DSM must be solution-oriented, prioritizing the resolution
of disputes rather than merely identifying problems. AUC highlighted the DSM’s vital role
in enabling seamless and interconnected movement of passengers and aircraft across the
continent. Further, AUC advocated for the institutionalization of a Facilitation
framework, possibly through a dedicated committee, to address matters related to ICAO
Annexes 9 (Facilitation) and 17 (Security).
The primary objective of this first meeting was to establish the institutional framework for
the YD specifically Annex 3 – Regulations on the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. The
specific objectives, aligned with the functions of the DSM Administrative Council as set
out in Article 49 of Annex 3 to the YD (Regulations on the Dispute Settlement
Mechanism), are as follows:
i. Induction Workshop on the YD/SAATM Regulatory Texts: presentations by
YD/SAATM Monitoring Body and DSM Secretariat
ii. Fund Mobilization for sustainable functioning of Annex 3 – Regulations on Dispute
Settlement Mechanism (DSM)
iii. Progress Report for the Operationalization of Annex 3 – Regulations on Dispute
Settlement Mechanism, July 2023-June 2025
iv. Consideration of DSM Strategic Objectives, Budget (DSM year 2025 annual
budget and 3 years DSM Budget) and Projects (establishment of DSM Website,
DSM Factsheet and DSM Booklet)
v. Consideration on draft DSM Rules and Procedures developed by the DSM
Secretariat
vi. Election of the Chairperson of the DSM Administrative Council (Annex 3 –
Regulations on Dispute Settlement Mechanism -Article 48)
vii. Consideration on the draft 2025 Activity Program of the DSM Administrative
Council
Dr. Koussai Mrabet – the Administrative Council member North Africa region was elected
as Chairperson of the DSM. The members and their alternates per region were as follows:
North Africa – Alternate being recruited
East Africa – Brenda Ntihinyurwa – Member
Cyril Wayongo – Alternate
Central Africa – Boris Roméo Makaya Batchi – Member
Alejandro Ona wono Nchama – Alternate
West Africa – Penda Atji Dosso – Member
Magnim Medezi – Alternate
South Africa – Dr. Mandi Samson – Member
Babalwa Ndandani – Alternate
Airline Blocked Funds
In response to a clarification sought by a member of the Administrative Council regarding
the issue of repatriation of airline funds, AFRAA informed the meeting that the prevalence
of blocked funds is largely due to certain countries & limited capacity to generate foreign
currency. AFRAA also shared the substantial progress made in addressing this challenge.
Through sustained advocacy efforts with Central Bank Governors and Ministers of
Transport, the amount of blocked funds has significantly declined, from approximately
USD 1.6 billion as of July 2024 to USD 700 million in 2025. These efforts have been
further coupled with encouraging African airlines to utilize the Pan-African Payment and
Settlement System (PAPSS) supported by AFREXIM Bank. PAPSS allows for the
repatriation of airline revenues in local currencies, providing a viable and sustainable
solution to this persistent issue.
AFRAA was represented by Mr. Raphael Kuuchi – Consulting Director Government Legal
& Industry Affairs and Mr. Daniel Moss – Government Legal & Industry Affairs.
Participants were encouraged to actively submit input to the ongoing review of the YD
Annexes. Stakeholders present: AUC, UNECA, AFCAC, AFRAA, DSM Administrative
Council (Principal Members & Alternates) & Secretariat, COMESA EACJ & ECOWAS.