Human rights

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…

The Union of Chadian Journalists, alongside a coalition of international advocacy organizations, has raised grave concerns over the recent arbitrary arrests of two prominent journalists in Chad. This alarming trend appears to be part of a more extensive governmental clampdown on dissenting voices within the nation. Among the detained is Olivier Monodji, a correspondent for Radio France International. Alongside him, another journalist affiliated with State television faces similar circumstances. Reports suggest their…

On March 9, 2015, the world bore witness to the eerie silence surrounding the plight of Itai Dzamara, a courageous human rights activist and journalist. Now, a decade has passed since his chilling disappearance, and the outcry for accountability echoes louder than ever within Zimbabwe. Each day that stretches into the next, pressure builds on the ruling Zanu PF government to illuminate what truly happened on that fateful day. Dzamara's case is more than just an unsolved mystery; it is a haunting symbol of the struggles…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…