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Articles by Armed Islamists
Burkina Faso: Spreading Violence Triggers 'Unprecedented' Crisis
analysis By Philip Kleinfeld Foube/Burkina Faso — 'The country has never had to deal with such massive displacement' Attacks by Islamist militants, military operations, and waves of inter-communal violence have left hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced since January in the West African nation of Burkina Faso, triggering an "unprecedented" humanitarian crisis that has caught many by surprise.
Egypt: We're Calling On Booker, Menendez to Do What Trump Won't Do When Egypt's President Visits
press release On Nov. 9, 2016, the day after the U.S. election, President-elect Donald Trump reportedly received his first congratulations from a head of state. On the other end of the phone was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi - a military general who effectively took control of Egypt in 2013 in a coup and formally became president in 2014.
Kenya: Wounds of Garissa Attack, Four Years On
press release Four years ago this month, gunmen attacked Kenya's Garissa University, killing at least 147 people, most of them students. It was one of the most horrific attacks ever to occur on Kenyan soil. Somalia-based militant Islamist group, Al-Shabab, which continues to carry out attacks inside Kenya, claimed responsibility, saying it was retaliating against Kenya's military incursions in Somalia.
Ethiopia: Transition to Democracy Has Hit a Rough Patch. It Needs Support From Abroad
analysis The ascent of Dr. Abiy Ahmed to the post of prime minster in Ethiopia a year ago was a rare positive story in a year filled with grim news globally. Within months of taking office, his administration released tens of thousands of political prisoners, made peace with neighboring Eritrea, took positive first steps to ensure free and independent elections, and welcomed previously banned groups back into Ethiopia. It was an astonishing turnaround in a short period.
Algeria: Bouteflika Resignation an Opening for Rights
analysis Beirut — The resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on April 2, 2019 provides an important opportunity for Algeria to dismantle its repressive laws and enshrine public freedoms in legislation and practice, Human Rights Watch said today. It was the first time since the uprisings of 2011 that street protests have forced a leader in the Arab world to resign.
Sudan: Protesters Killed, Injured
press release Nairobi — Security forces in Sudan reportedly killed at least eight protesters from April 6-8, 2019 and injured dozens during lethal attempts to disperse peaceful protesters. On April 6, thousands of protesters converged on the army headquarters calling for President Omar al-Bashir to step down.
Cameroon Tightens Screws On Opposition
In a crackdown on both the opposition and the right to assemble, Cameroonian authorities have banned a week of demonstrations planned by the opposition Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) party. On April 5, the Ministry of the Territorial Administration issued a press release banning the demonstrations between April 6 and 13, accusing the MRC of destabilising the country.
African Leaders Should Respect People's Right to Protest
opinion By Carine Kaneza Nantulya On January 14, 2019, thousands of Zimbabweans protested against a 150 percent hike in fuel prices imposed on January 12 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. Security forces used excessive force including live ammunition on unarmed protesters.
Rwanda - 25 Years On, Solidarity With Victims
analysis Confronting Evil: Genocide in Rwanda Alison Des Forges was Human Rights Watch's senior advisor in the Africa Division and one of the world's foremost experts on Rwanda. In the period leading up to the genocide, she worked tirelessly to alert world powers to the impending crisis in Rwanda. Her efforts did not stop when the genocide ended.
Ethiopia: Abiy's First Year As PM, Review of Accountability and Justice
press release One year ago this month, Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. His first few months in office saw many positive human rights reforms and a renewed sense of optimism following several years of protests and instability, along with decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Thousands of political prisoners have been released, a peace agreement has been signed with neighboring Eritrea, and Abiy has pledged to reform repressive laws.
Tanzanian Journalist's Disappearance Remains Unsolved
It has been more than 500 days since Azory Gwanda, a journalist for the privately-owned media company Mwananchi Communications, went missing under murky circumstances in Tanzania. The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling on the Tanzanian government to prove it is carrying out credible investigations into his disappearance. In November 2017, Anna Pinoni reported to police that her husband was missing. She said he had been picked up from their home in a white vehicle.
Ethiopia: Abiy's First Year As PM, Review of Commitments to International Human Rights Norms
analysis One year ago this month, Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. His first few months in office saw many positive human rights reforms and a renewed sense of optimism following several years of protests and instability, along with decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Thousands of political prisoners have been released, a peace agreement has been signed with neighboring Eritrea, and Abiy has pledged to reform repressive laws.
Tunisia: Truth Commission Outlines Decades of Abuse
press release Tunis — Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission on March 26, 2019 made public its five-volume report analyzing and exposing the institutional networks that enabled human rights abuses over five decades, Human Rights Watch said today. The commission outlined the role of former presidents Habib Bourguiba and Zine el- Abidine Ben Ali and other top officials in the torture, arbitrary detention, and numerous other abuses of thousands of Tunisians.
Ethiopia: Abiy's First Year As Prime Minister, Review of Arbitrary Detention, Torture and Detention Conditions
press release One year ago this month, Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. His first few months in office saw many positive human rights reforms and a renewed sense of optimism following several years of protests and instability, along with decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Thousands of political prisoners have been released, a peace agreement has been signed with neighboring Eritrea, and Abiy has pledged to reform repressive laws.
Nigeria: Video Exposes Beatings By Nigerian Security Forces
Video footage circulating online appears to implicate Nigerian security forces engaged in abuse of a group of men. The footage shows around two dozen armed men wearing military camouflage repeatedly whip about 15 men. The beating caused huge welts on the victims' backs. They were forced to lay on the ground, screaming in pain. One man was ordered to keep his eyes open despite the blazing sun. A man in uniform could be heard saying that the victims were bandits.
Egypt: Deported Dissidents Missing
Beirut — Egyptian authorities should reveal the whereabouts of at least five Egyptian dissidents who were deported to Egypt in recent weeks, Human Rights Watch said today. Malaysian authorities deported at least four men to Egypt in early March, and Turkey deported one man in January. The deportees are at serious risk of torture and ill-treatment in Egypt for their past political activities, and at least three had already been sentenced to prison in Egypt in absentia.
Ethiopia: Abiy's First Year As Prime Minister, Review of Freedom of Association
press release One year ago this month, Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. His first few months in office saw many positive human rights reforms and a renewed sense of optimism following several years of protests and instability, along with decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Thousands of political prisoners have been released, a peace agreement has been signed with neighboring Eritrea, and Abiy has pledged to reform repressive laws.
Cameroon: New Attacks on Civilians By Troops, Separatists
Government forces in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions have killed scores of civilians, used indiscriminate force, and torched hundreds of homes over the past six months, Human Rights Watch said today. Armed separatists have assaulted and kidnapped dozens of people during the same period, executing at least two men, amid intensifying violence and growing calls for secession of the North-West and South-West regions.
Eritrea: Another Birthday Behind Bars
Nairobi — The government of Eritrea has held Ciham Ali Abdu, daughter of the former information minister Ali Abdu Ahmed, in incommunicado detention for over six years, Human Rights Watch said today. Ciham, who turns 22 today, will spend another birthday behind bars as her family remains in the dark about her whereabouts or wellbeing.
Ethiopia: Abiy's First Year As Prime Minister, Review of Freedom of Assembly
press release One year ago this month, Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. His first few months in office saw many positive human rights reforms and a renewed sense of optimism following several years of protests and instability, along with decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Thousands of political prisoners have been released, a peace agreement has been signed with neighboring Eritrea, and Abiy has pledged to reform repressive laws.
Ethiopia: Growing Uncertainty Marks Abiy's First Year in Power
This week marks Dr. Abiy Ahmed's one-year anniversary as Ethiopia's prime minister. Abiy's charismatic style appealed to individuals from across Ethiopia's many ethnic and political divides, no small feat in Ethiopia. It was a remarkable turnaround that followed several years of protests and excessive force by security forces that left over 1,000 people dead. But how his first year will be remembered depends on who you ask.
Liberia: Justice for Civil Wars-Era Crimes
interview Liberia's history has been punctuated by periods of profound social upheaval underscored by injustice and serious human rights violations. These dynamics in large part led to two devastating civil wars in the last 30 years. This question and answer document addresses the abuses committed during these wars and efforts to bring those responsible to justice, including through a proposed war crimes court. 1. What international crimes were committed in Liberia during its civil wars? 2.
Burundi Tightens Screws On Media Freedom
press release The Burundian government today signalled a new attack on media freedom, announcing it would renew the Voice of America's (VOA) suspension and withdraw the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) operating license. These draconian moves are another attempt to prevent the world from knowing about serious human rights abuses happening in Burundi. The BBC and VOA, both crucial independent voices in Burundi, have been through this before.
Mauritania - 2 Bloggers Held for Defamation
press release Tunis — Mauritanian authorities should free two bloggers arrested on March 22, 2019, and drop all charges related to their peaceful expression, Human Rights Watch said today. The bloggers, Abderrahmane Weddady and Cheikh Ould Jiddou, are known for writing critically about Mauritania's leaders, including about specific allegations of wrongdoing by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
Zimbabwe: Govt Should Investigate Allegations of Aid Abuse
Massive flooding in the wake of tropical cyclone Idaihas triggered a humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, Mozambiqueand Malawi, killing at least 700 people, leaving hundreds missing and thousands displaced and in need of emergency aid.
Tunisia - Protester Alleges Beating, Sexual Assault
press release Tunis — Tunisian authorities should investigate allegations that police beat and sexually assaulted a protester while breaking up a sit in in Tunis on March 12, 2019, Human Rights Watch said today. Wajdi Mahouachi, 31, told Human Rights Watch that he was participating in a sit-in the governmental square called for by activists on Facebook, to protest sanitary conditions in Tunisian public hospitals, when the police assaulted him.
Cameroon: New Attacks On Civilians by Troops, Separatists
analysis Government forces in Cameroon's Anglophone regions have killed scores of civilians, used indiscriminate force, and torched hundreds of homes over the past six months. (Nairobi, March 27, 2019) - Government forces in Cameroon's Anglophone regions have killed scores of civilians, used indiscriminate force, and torched hundreds of homes over the past six months, Human Rights Watch said today.
Kenya: Reverse Move to Close Refugee Camp
press release Nairobi — The Kenyan government should abandon a renewed push to close the enormous Dadaab refugee camp, Human Rights Watch said today. The move threatens the rights and safety of 250,000 people, mostly Somali refugees and asylum seekers, whose future is now in limbo. "Kenya should abandon plans to close the camp and instead uphold its commitment to protect refugees it has hosted for three decades," said Otsieno Namwaya, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Burkina Faso: China, Burkina Faso to Strengthen Parliamentary Exchanges
By Xinhua Beijing — China and Burkina Faso on Tuesday agreed to enhance parliamentary exchanges. The consensus was reached between Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), and Alassane Bala Sakande, speaker of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso.
Sudan: Tunisia - Bar or Arrest Sudan's Al-Bashir
press release Tunis — Tunisia should bar entry to or arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is a fugitive from international justice, Human Rights Watch said today. A Sudanese news source reported on March 21, 2019 that al-Bashir intends to attend the League of Arab States summit, which will be held in Tunisia, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on March 31.
Cameroon: Govt Cracks Down On Opponents
press release Cameroon's High Court refused to release opposition leader Maurice Kamto, as well as six of his supporters, who were arrested in January on politically motivated charges. The Mfoundi High Court, located in Cameroon's political capital, Yaoundé, made this decision following a habeas corpus request filed by the detainees' defence lawyers.
Rwanda: Submission By Human Rights Watch to the Committee On the Rights of the Child On Rwanda
press release This submission focuses on the issue of the protection of children in detention, and the protection of students, teachers, and schools during armed conflict.
Africa: South Africa Launches Plan to Combat Xenophobia and Racism
press release Today, South Africa launched its National Action Plan to combat xenophobia, racism, and discrimination, marking an important step towards addressing the widespread human rights abuses arising from xenophobic and gender-based violence and discrimination that continue to plague South Africa.
Nigeria: Atiku Under Pressure to Withdraw Petition, South-West PDP Alleges
By Kayode Fasua The South-west zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of desperation, saying that the agents of the party have been reaching out to respected national leaders and friends of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to help persuade him to withdraw from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Nigeria: How 2019 Polls Dim Prospects of a Better Electoral Process
By Leo Sobechi Never before in the history of Nigeria's democracy has a general election lasted this long before its consummation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has succeeded in elongating the electoral process through its devious implementation of incongruous schemes that were not contemplated in the Electoral Act, including cancellation, muffled collation and inconclusive outcomes.
Nigeria: 9th National Assembly - APC Will Not Share Power With PDP, Says Oshiomhole
By Onyebuchi Ezigbo Abuja — The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has vowed that the party will not allow a non member of its coucus in the National Assembly to occupy any position meant for the party. He said the ruling party will ensure that all the leadership positions in the National Assembly including chairmen of committees, except the ones that are statutorily reserved for opposition, are occupied by APC members.
Kenyans Online Call for the Arrest of Gun-Toting Woman
By Nyaboga Kiage Kenyans online are calling for the arrest of a gun-toting woman whose pictures have gone viral on social media. In one of the photos, the unidentified woman is pictured holding a rifle inside what appears to be sparsely furnished room. "Sasa mahali imefika kesho baadae," the photo is captioned. The woman, who goes by the name Everline Kemunto on Facebook, has even updated that particular photo as her profile picture.
Heat Is On as Race for Nigerian Senate Presidency Begins
Winners and Losers In Nigeria's Governor Polls Re-Run Heat Is On as Race for Nigerian Senate Presidency Begins Why Kenyans Are Going Hungry Despite Bumper Maize Crop Tensions as Comoros Chooses New Leader Fear Grips Mozambicans in Cabo Delgado As Attacks Continue Is Kenya's Ruling Party Still Intact as DP Ruto Claims?
South Africa: Stormers 'Positive' of Etzebeth Return for Blues
Cape Town — The Stormers are hopeful that powerful Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will return for Saturday's clash against the Blues in Auckland. The 27-year-old was named in the starting line-up for this past weekend's clash against the Hurricanes, but was withdrawn at the final hour after failing to pass a late concussion test. Etzebeth picked up a head knock against thee Jaguares on March 15 at Newlands and has been recovering since.
Africa: Urgent Appeal for Relief and Donations for People Affected by Cyclone Idai in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe
The Graça Machel Trust, (GMT), the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, (NMCF) and the Foundation for Community Development (FDC) are greatly concerned about the unfolding effects of Cyclone Idai across parts of Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The increasing death toll and numbers of women and children uncounted for is extremely worrisome. The devastation has left communities homeless, unsafe, without food, emergency healthcare and other essential services.
Nigeria: Exercise Caution On Lagos-Abeokuta Highway, FRSC Urges Motorists
Mr Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun on Monday urged motorists plying the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway to exercise caution. He spoke against the background of complaints by motorists on the slow pace of the rehabilitation work on the highway and the consequent traffic snarl.
Congo-Kinshasa: Collaboration or Coalition? Tshisekedi's Tough Choices As Leader
analysis It has been a little over a month since Felix Tshisekedi became the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC's) head of state. Protests that followed the presidential election seem to be dwindling. And internationally the African Union and Western countries, including France and Belgium, have recognised his takeover. But Tshisekedi faces an uphill struggle to establish his legitimacy. The poll was contested by the platform that supported Martin Fayulu in the presidential election.
Sudan: Aila Affirms Impiortance of Further Strengthening to Sudan - China Relations
Khartoum — The National Prime Minister, Dr. Mohamed Tahir Aila, has affirmed the keenness of Sudan to strengthening further its relations and cooperation cooperation with China, pointing to strategic relations between two countries and praised big support of China to Sudan in different field.
Congo-Kinshasa: WHO Calls on International Community to Join Urgent Push to End Outbreak
Photo: John Wessels Health workers escort a new unconfirmed ebola patient to the reception, at a newly build MSF supported ebola treatment centre(ETC) in Bunia. Geneva/Brazzaville/Goma — As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) approaches 1000 cases amid increased violence, WHO reaffirmed its commitment both to ending the outbreak and working with the government and communities to build resilient health systems.
South Africa: Cape Town Pastor Sentenced to 50 Years for Rape, Murder Spree
By Tammy Petersen A Mitchells Plain pastor behind a three-year crime spree which left two women dead has been sentenced in the Western Cape High Court to an effective 50 years behind bars after he entered a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. Keith Bird, 51, admitted guilt to 14 charges, ranging from rape to murder.
Nigeria: Appeal Court Nullifies Zamfara APC Guber, Assembly Primaries
The Court of Appeal Sokoto Division on Monday set aside the judgment delivered by the Zamfara High Court, allowing the All Progressives Congress (APC) to field candidates in the 2019 Election. The appeal was filed by Sen. Kabiru Marafa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and 129 others through his Counsel, Mr Mike Ozheokome , SAN. Respondents are Kabiru Liman-Danalhaji and 139 others represented by Mr Mahmud Magaji SAN as lead Counsel.
Africa: Here's How 24 Teams Qualified For 2019 AFCON
By Jerry Chifamba Cape Town — The full line-up for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations has been completed, after the final fixtures on March 24. South Africa - Bafana Bafana secured the last spot in Egypt following a 2-1 win over Libya in Tunisia on March 24, 2019. Zimbabwe - The Warriors seal their place with a 2-0 win over Congo to finish top of Group G ahead of DR Congo. DR Congo - China-based Cedric Bakambu's goal on March 24 ensured DR Congo made it to Egypt instead of Liberia.
Mozambique: Cyclone Idai - Unicef Warns of 'Race Against Time' to Protect Children, Prevent Spread of Disease in Flood-Ravaged Mozambique
A week after the flooded Mozambican port of Beira was hit by Cyclone Idai, "aid agencies are barely beginning to see the scale of the damage", the head of UNICEF said on Saturday, as she called for more international support to help quickly get relief to more than a million people across the country and prevent the possible spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Sudan Uprising - 'Boycott Companies Collaborating With Al Bashir Regime'
Khartoum — The signatories to the Declaration of Freedom and Change, the driving force behind the anti-government protests in Sudan that began in December last year, have called for an economic boycott of institutions and companies that work to finance and support the regime of Sudan's President Omar Al Bashir and its organs.
Sudan: New Appeal to Khartoum to Release Detainees
El Obeid / Khartoum — The family of detained lawyer Osman Hasan, secretary of the Communist Party of Sudan in North Kordofan has appealed to the authorities to release him. There are also call for the release of Civil society activist Shamseldin Dawelbeit, who has been in detention for four weeks.
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