By Mariama Marong
Africa Human Rights Advocates have demanded favourable and effective working space for public and Civic Society organizations within the continent as well as guaranteed freedom of assembly and freedom of association without intimidation from authorities.
The event was conducted on the 18th of October, 2024 during the 81st Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights ongoing in Banjul, Sir Dawda Kairaba International Conference Center.
The civic space event theme “Building a Resilient Civic Space in Africa: Freedom of Peaceful Assembly,” is organized by the Centre for Human Rights during the 81st Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in collaboration with CIVICUS, RFK Human Rights, RFLD, IHRDA.
The dialogue brings together experts to discuss the critical issue of shrinking civic space in Africa and how they can strengthen efforts to protect human rights.
According to the organisers, the objective of the forum is to provide a space for African human rights stakeholders to reflect on how to ensure effective protection of human rights in the face of shrinking civic society organisations.
Ms. Florence Nakazibwe, senior legal adviser Africa, ICNL, said it is important for governments of Africa to return power back to its people by allowing CSOs to perform their roles and responsibilities to the society.
She said people and civic society organizations are vital in holding the government accountable. She cited that many students in Uganda have been arrested unlawfully by their government because they want to keep the student protesters silent.
“Protesters are been targeted by governments in Africa and they are prevented from forming peaceful assemblies which led to brutal torture,” she said.
Madam Florence stated that some African countries ban political rallies and also use their power to control journalists by arresting and detaining them without any valuable charge against them.
She said suppressing politicians, journalists, and CSOs is a total violation of human rights, and immediate actions are needed to remedy the situation.
Micheal Gyan Nyarko, Deputy Director, IHRDA highlighted that judiciary independence is crucial for the smooth running of justice. However, he said most African Judiciaries are being used by the Executive in power, which she said is incorrect.
“In West Africa, some Judiciary institutions are forced to deny protesters bail when taken to court,” he stated.
He added that it is an injustice for a magistrate or a judge to remand protesters against the law just because the Executives have the upper hand in power.
“Most courts in Africa are being manipulated by Executives and Judiciary which is supposed to be an independent arm of government,” he explained.
He said CSOs’ rights are violated and they have been facing great challenges like prosecution, exile, forceful detention, and brutal torture.
Mr. Ndi Masuku Lishiya, Africa Advocacy Coordinator RFK Human Rights, said North African countries are faced with serious challenges in the civic space. He said CSOs are restricted and it has affected their day-to-day functions.
With this, he said, in Northern Africa, CSOs are being denied financial support, and not protected, intimidated, and controlled by authorities.
This, he stated, has hindered their progress.
“We are denied freedom of assembly, freedom of association by our leaders,” he alleged.
He said it is important for the parliamentarians to draft laws that will enhance better working conditions for civic organizations and people in the area of human rights.
Ms Timosank Shoko, Litigation Manager, Southern Litigation Centre, said it is important to speak with voice as a continent because according to her all African states are interrelated.
She also mentioned that independence of the Judiciary is vital to making legal reforms. He said it is important to align national laws and international laws for effective strategies to implement change as civic advocates.
