The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed deep concern over the human rights violations emerging in Nigeria in response to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
Following reports of clashes and fatalities involving Nigerian security forces, the Commission called for urgent action from the Nigerian government.
“The Commission deplores the tragic loss of life of at least 13 individuals during demonstrations in the context of the response of security and law enforcement agencies,” said Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, the Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in Nigeria. He emphasized that the use of excessive force by law enforcement could amount to a violation of Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
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The Commission also highlighted the mistreatment of journalists by Nigerian police at Eagle Square. Honourable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa, condemned these actions, stating that such treatment “could amount to violations of Articles 5, 6, and 9 of the African Charter.”
The Commission has urged the Nigerian government to respect the right to peaceful protest, end the use of excessive force by law enforcement, conduct independent investigations into the reported fatalities and abuses, and engage in dialogue with protesters and civil society to address the underlying causes of the unrest.
The African Commission maintained that it remains committed to supporting Nigeria in upholding its human rights obligations and fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism.