Human rights

In Chad, a chorus of women leaders and activists has brought attention to a significant issue: the glaring scarcity of female candidates in the upcoming legislative, local, and district elections set for December 29. These elections are crucial as they signify the culmination of a transition journey from military to civilian governance. This shift kicked off when General Mahamat Idriss Deby took helm after the passing of his father, the long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of…

Tragic news has emerged from Mozambique, where police reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals during a demonstration in Namicopo—a densely populated area in Nampula province. This grim incident has pushed the total number of fatalities attributed to police actions to nearly 50, following a series of protests that ignited on October 21, 2024. The turmoil in Mozambique shows no signs of abating, especially in the wake of recent electoral disputes. Venancio Mondlane, the leader of the opposition…

The Nigerian government recently expressed its approval of a report that concluded there was "no evidence" to support claims that military personnel engaged in illegal abortions targeting Islamist insurgents in clandestine operations. The Nigeria Human Rights Commission, which operates with governmental oversight, undertook a thorough investigation after three reports by Reuters surfaced in December 2022. These reports made serious allegations against the Nigerian military, suggesting the existence of a covert, systematic…

Burkina Faso is currently in talks about potentially bringing back the death penalty, a practice that was abolished back in 2018. Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala recently mentioned that the subject is very much on the table. He noted that this topic "will be incorporated into the draft criminal code." It appears there might be additional changes on the horizon, aligning with the "vision and guidelines set forth by the head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traore," who took control of the nation following the coup in September…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

A federal court has dismissed treason charges against numerous minors who were apprehended amid recent nationwide protests fueled by escalating living costs and discontent with the government. President Bola Tinubu had previously mandated their release after several young demonstrators collapsed during their court proceedings, a situation that drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International. In Nigeria, treason carries severe penalties, potentially culminating in the death penalty. "Any…

The Medical Association of Mozambique, alongside the Order of Doctors, recently disclosed a troubling statistic: between October 18 and October 26, ten individuals lost their lives due to gunfire, while 73 others sustained injuries across the nation. These incidents unfold amid ongoing unrest as citizens vocally challenge the recent election outcomes. Reports emerging over the weekend paint a grim picture, detailing yet another three fatalities at the hands of law enforcement, according to Mozambique News and Clippings. AIM…

Human Rights Watch has strongly called on the Burkinabe authorities to carry out a "swift and comprehensive" inquiry into the tragic massacre of civilians in Barsalogho, a town that recently endured a catastrophic event on August 24, 2024. This horrific attack was perpetrated by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), leading to the loss of over 130 lives, with countless others left injured. Carine Kaneza Nantulya, the Deputy Director for Africa at Human Rights Watch, articulated the…

Leaders from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are being called upon to engage in crucial conversations aimed at halting the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also exploring strategies to safeguard civilians caught in the turmoil in Sudan. These discussions are set to unfold at the forthcoming summit in Burundi. "This summit presents a vital platform for African leaders to confront the ongoing crises in Congo and Sudan, among others. They must create tangible,…

Election day in Mozambique commenced on a tranquil note. Yet, when poll results surfaced, a remarkable shift occurred. Reports from Mozambique News Reports and Clippings indicate that thousands of citizens, predominantly the youth, took to the streets, vehemently contesting the declaration that Frelimo had secured a staggering 70% of the vote. This outpouring of discontent has stirred the fabric of Mozambican society. Many critics, fueled by the perception of electoral manipulation, expressed their frustration. As one young…