THE African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed deep concern over human rights violations arising from the Nigerian government’s response to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement by the Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in Nigeria, and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa, Solomon Ayele Dersso and Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, respectively, on Thursday, August 8, the commission condemned the tragic loss of at least 13 lives during the demonstrations.
“The Commission has received numerous reports that on 2 August 2024 and subsequent days, incidents of clashes and fatalities took place in the context of the response of security and law enforcement personnel of Nigeria to the protests taking place in the country under the theme #EndBadGovernance,” part of the statement read.
The commission warned that such fatalities, when caused by security or law enforcement personnel, could constitute a violation of Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to life.
The ICIR reports that many Nigerians have trooped to the streets to protest poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
The protests have been marred with violence, largely caused by the security operatives in places like Lagos and Abuja, where protesters have been subjected to tear gas and harassment.
Initially, on Friday, August 2, Amnesty International said 13 people were killed by security personnel across Nigeria during the protest.
However, in its recent statement, on Wednesday, August 7, the organisation accused Nigerian security forces of killing at least 21 protesters during the protests.
Amnesty’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, said the group had verified seven further killings in the northern city of Kano and one in Azare, in northeastern Bauchi state, raising the toll from initial 13.
Reacting to the situation, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights emphasised that the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies was contrary to the African Charter.
It further reminded Nigerian authorities of the Commission’s jurisprudence on the use of force, urging them to adhere strictly to the standards set, particularly in the General Comment on the Right to Life under Article 4.
“The Commission further echoes the condemnation by the National Human Rights Commission of Nigerian of the violations to which journalists were subjected by the Nigerian Police at Eagle Square. Such treatment of journalists could amount to violations of Articles 5, 6 and 9 of the African Charter,” the statement added.
The commission called on the government to respect and protect the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined under Article 11 of the African Charter.
It also called for adherence to the guidance issued by the NHRC to ensure that Nigerians can exercise their freedom of assembly without fear of repression.
The commission demanded that law enforcement agencies operate strictly within the confines of the law and Constitution, adding that they refrain from using excessive force.
Besides, it called for thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the reported fatalities and the abuse of journalists, with those responsible for violations held accountable.
It also asked that the government “facilitate open and inclusive dialogue with protesters, civil society organisations and all concerned sectors of society to address the underlying causes of the protests and implement corrective measures agreed to during such dialogue.
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting the Federal Republic of Nigeria in upholding its human rights obligations and fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism.”
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M