African Integrity Magazine – Uneasy Calm in Africa in 2015

Uneasy Calm in Africa in 2015 – Amnesty International

May 24, 2015 Samuel Africa News 0

Global human rights advocate, Amnesty International, has predicted a year of further instability across Africa in 2015, especially in the West and Central African States, which have lately been affected by terrorism and the attendant rising number of refugees.

In its annual report released on Tuesday along with forecast of human rights trends for the coming year, Amnesty International noted that under a situation where perpetrators of human rights violence are not brought to justice, and in the face of increased availability of arms and weapons both to security agents and armed groups, repression of freedom of expression and lack of justice and accountability are likely to continue.

The group also predicted the use of draconian anti-terror laws by some states but called on governments to stop pretending that the protection of civilians is beyond them.

According to a statement issued on the report, Amnesty International is of the view that such draconian anti-terror laws may also harm civilians, especially in countries where security agencies have been reported to violate human rights.

“World leaders must act urgently to confront the changing nature of conflict and protect civilians from horrific violence by states and armed groups. 2014 was a catastrophic year for millions caught up in violence. The global response to conflict and abuses by states and armed groups has been shameful and ineffective. As people suffered an escalation in barbarous attacks and repression, the international community has been found wanting,” said Secretary General of Amnesty International, SalilShetty.

Describing terrorism as the worst challenge of our time, Amnesty International stated that in West and Central Africa, human rights are being violated and violators have continued to evade justice while the region is moving towards further conflict and instability with tens of thousands of people suffering as a result.

“A lethal cocktail of conflict, repression and impunity is pushing large parts of West and Central Africa towards greater instability. Whether committed by Boko Haram, the Nigerian security forces, anti-balaka or Seleka, human rights violations and abuses should not go unpunished if the region is to find peace and security,” said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa.

“Governments should not silence the voices of their people or blunt the pens of journalist. From the peaceful protestors shot dead in Burkina Faso to the journalists imprisoned in The Gambia, it is all too easy to see what happens when freedom of expression is not protected.”

Giving an overview of 2014, the report stated that many African Countries saw a significant deterioration of their security situation but the underlying causes of much of the violence remain unaddressed.