Human rights

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a compelling report that casts a stark light on Tunisia's alarming trend of arbitrary detentions, which have become a cornerstone of President Kais Saied's increasingly authoritarian regime since his contentious power grab in 2021. This 42-page exposé delves deeply into the government's systematic crackdown on dissenters. It reveals a landscape where fear prevails, and those who dare to speak their minds face politically charged prosecutions designed to intimidate and silence critics.…

Ritual killings remain a distressing and recurring tragedy across various regions of Africa. In particular, children fall prey to these heinous acts, vulnerable and defenseless against those who exploit their innocence. Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu, a researcher and lecturer at Aberystwyth University, sheds light on this grim phenomenon by asserting that the unfortunate belief in the potency of children’s body parts fuels these crimes. In his 2022 study, Owusu unearthed startling statistics: over fifty percent of ritual murder…

In a harrowing revelation, Ghanaian authorities have fallen short in safeguarding the human rights of countless individuals, predominantly older women, who have been unjustly accused of witchcraft. The recent report by Amnesty International highlights the grim reality that these women often endure, facing horrifying ritualistic attacks that compel them to abandon their homes, driven by an overwhelming fear for their lives. Entitled "Branded for Life," this poignant report sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by more…

In the aftermath of the contentious October 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch has voiced grave concerns regarding the apparent absence of a credible investigation into a surge of political killings. This alarming trend has predominantly victimized individuals affiliated with the opposition, particularly those who openly contested the re-election of President Daniel Chapo. How does one reconcile the fundamental principles of democracy with such deadly repression? This question lingers ominously in the air as HRW shines a…

In a striking decision that echoes the ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe, a Harare magistrate has resolutely denied bail to 95 individuals accused of orchestrating an anti-government protest on March 31. The magistrate's ruling was clear: these individuals allegedly pose a significant security threat and could potentially re-offend if granted their freedom. Facing charges of unlawful gathering and inciting violence, this group, primarily comprising young activists and opposition supporters, reportedly sought to march towards the…

The truth commission in The Gambia, a relatively young institution born in 2018, stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of a troubled past. This vital body has accused numerous officials from the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh of heinous acts, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a slew of other human rights atrocities. Each of these allegations unfurls stories of grief, loss, and injustice that echo throughout the national psyche. Take, for instance, the recent issuance of an arrest…

In a troubling revelation, Amnesty International's recent report highlights that in 2024, the number of executions worldwide surged to its highest level in nearly a decade. This sobering news arrives at a time when several African countries, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, are contemplating the reintroduction of capital punishment—a move that stirs deep fears among human rights advocates. Imagine a landscape that has gradually tilted toward hope—a world where progress in human rights was not just a…

Across South Africa, an outpouring of voices rose in unison as thousands of students, activists, and concerned citizens took to the streets. Their rallying cry? Justice for a seven-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape, who suffered the unimaginable—a rape committed within the supposed safety of her school in October 2024. It’s a moment that has sparked outrage and galvanized a nation. The protesters weren’t merely expressing anger; they delivered heartfelt memoranda to education officials, demanding immediate action. Calls…

As the dawn of 2024 approached, a significant legislative move unfolded in The Gambia. The National Assembly took a historic step, passing a bill aimed at establishing a specialized tribunal dedicated to prosecuting human rights violations attributed to the tumultuous reign of former president Yahya Jammeh. This decision, though monumental in its moral implications, was further galvanized in December when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced its commitment to assist The Gambia in creating this…

Human Rights Watch has called upon Mozambican authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent attack on opposition members in Maputo. This incident unfolded during a significant moment—the signing of a peace accord between President Daniel Chapo and various opposition parties, notably excluding former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who led hundreds in a peaceful march that day. The stark contrast between the peaceful intentions of the demonstrators and the violent response they…