Guinea
-
5 countries on civic space watchlist presented to UN Human Rights Council
Statement at the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Watch us deliver our statement below:Dear Madame President,
Research findings by the CIVICUS Monitor show a serious and rapid decline in respect for civic freedoms in India, Lebanon, Iraq, Nicaragua, and Guinea(countries on current civic space watchlist)
In India, protests against a discriminatory citizenship law have been met with excessive force and deadly violence by the authorities, with at least 50 killed, and hundreds injured. There has been no independent and impartial investigation into the police violence. Hundreds have also been detained on spurious charges, including human rights defenders.
In Lebanon, peaceful protests have been subjected to severe and unwarranted violence by the authorities. About a thousand protestors have been arrested or detained while many have experienced torture or ill-treatment while in detention.
In Iraq, activists and journalists have been abducted, arbitrarily arrested and murdered in order to prevent them from participating in or covering demonstrations that broke out in October 2019. Since the outset of the protests, hundreds of protestors have been killed at the hands of security forces.
In Nicaragua, we are seriously concerned by the lack of political will to stop the repression of fundamental civic freedoms and to address the current human rights crisis. We call on this council to support a strong resolution on Nicaragua as the situation continues to worsen.
In Guinea, mass protests which begun in October 2019 against government plans to replace the Constitution, have been met with excessive force. The killing of protesters and bystanders has been met with almost complete impunity.
Such restrictions on civic space are often a precursor for further human rights abuses and we call on the members and observers of this Council to act now to prevent further deterioration.
Civic space ratings by CIVICUS Monitor Open Narrowed Obstructed Repressed Closed
-
5 países en la lista de vigilancia del espacio cívico presentada al Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU
Declaración en el 43º período de sesiones del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas
Los resultados de la investigación del CIVICUS Monitor muestran un serio y rápido declive en el respeto de las libertades cívicas en la India, Líbano, Irak, Nicaragua y Guinea (países que figuran en la actual lista de vigilancia del espacio cívico)En la India, las protestas contra una ley discriminatoria en materia de ciudadanía han sido reprimidas por las autoridades con una fuerza excesiva y una violencia mortal, con al menos 50 muertos y cientos de heridos. No se ha realizado ninguna investigación independiente e imparcial sobre la violencia policial. También se ha detenido a centenares de personas con acusaciones falsas, incluidos defensores de los derechos humanos.
En el Líbano, las protestas pacíficas han sido objeto de una violencia grave e injustificada por parte de las autoridades. Alrededor de un millar de manifestantes han sido arrestados o detenidos, mientras que muchos han sufrido torturas o malos tratos durante su detención.
En Irak, activistas y periodistas han sido secuestrados, detenidos arbitrariamente y asesinados para impedir que participen en las manifestaciones que se iniciaron en octubre de 2019. Desde el comienzo de las protestas, cientos de manifestantes han sido asesinados a manos de las fuerzas de seguridad.
En Nicaragua, nos preocupa seriamente la falta de voluntad política para poner fin a la represión de las libertades cívicas fundamentales y para hacer frente a la actual crisis de derechos humanos. Hacemos un llamamiento a este Consejo para que apoye una resolución firme sobre Nicaragua, ya que la situación sigue empeorando.
En Guinea, las protestas masivas que comenzaron en octubre de 2019 contra los planes del gobierno de reemplazar la Constitución, han sido enfrentadas con excesiva fuerza. El asesinato de manifestantes y transeúntes ha sido recibido con casi total impunidad.
Esas restricciones del espacio cívico suelen ser un precursor de nuevos abusos de los derechos humanos y pedimos a los miembros y observadores de este Consejo que actúen ahora para evitar un mayor deterioro.
Calificaciones del espacio cívico por CIVICUS Monitor Abierto Estrecho Obstruido Represivo Cerrado
-
5 pays sur la liste de surveillance de l'espace civique présentés au Conseil des droits de l'homme
Déclaration à la 43ème session du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies
Les résultats des recherches menées par le CIVICUS Monitor montrent un déclin grave et rapide du respect des libertés civiques en Inde, au Liban, en Irak, au Nicaragua et en Guinée (pays figurant sur la liste actuelle de surveillance de l'espace civique)
En Inde, les protestations contre une loi discriminatoire sur la citoyenneté ont été accueillies avec une force excessive et une violence mortelle par les autorités, faisant au moins 50 morts et des centaines de blessés. Aucune enquête indépendante et impartiale n'a été menée sur les violences policières. Des centaines de personnes ont également été détenues sur la base d'accusations fallacieuses, notamment des défenseurs des droits humains.
Au Liban, les manifestations pacifiques ont été soumises à des violences graves et injustifiées de la part des autorités. Un millier de manifestants ont été arrêtés ou détenus, et beaucoup ont subi des tortures ou des mauvais traitements pendant leur détention.
En Irak, des militants et des journalistes ont été enlevés, arrêtés arbitrairement et assassinés afin de les empêcher de participer ou de couvrir les manifestations qui ont éclaté en octobre 2019. Depuis le début des manifestations, des centaines de manifestants ont été tués par les forces de sécurité.
Au Nicaragua, nous sommes sérieusement préoccupés par le manque de volonté politique de mettre fin à la répression des libertés civiques fondamentales et de faire face à la crise actuelle des droits humains. Nous appelons ce Conseil à soutenir une résolution forte sur le Nicaragua alors que la situation continue de s'aggraver.
En Guinée, les protestations de masse qui ont commencé en octobre 2019 contre les projets du gouvernement de remplacer la Constitution ont été accueillies avec une force excessive. Les meurtres de manifestants et de passants ont été commis dans une impunité quasi totale.
De telles restrictions de l'espace civique sont souvent le prélude à de nouvelles violations des droits humains et nous appelons les membres et les observateurs de ce Conseil à agir maintenant pour empêcher toute nouvelle détérioration.
Les évaluations de l'espace civique par le CIVICUS Monitor Ouvert Rétréci Obstrué Reprimé Fermé
-
Alpha Condé wants a third term in Guinea. The AU must stop him
By David Kode, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead
President Ramaphosa and the AU have a crucial role in aiding the continuation of Guinea's democracy. Guinea’s nascent democracy hangs in the balance as current President Alpha Condé’s resolve to defy the constitution and stand for a third term in office threatens to plunge the country into violence. Under the current constitution, President Conde is only allowed to serve two five-year terms. The only way he can change the presidential limit is through a new constitution, which requires a referendum.
Read on: The Africa Report
-
CIVICUS calls for Restoration of Democracy and Justice in Guinea
08 October 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation expresses deepest condemnation at the killing of at least 157 protestors and the wounding of over a thousand people during a military crackdown upon a large scale public protest in Guinea on 28 September. The protest was sparked by indications given by the leader of the military regime, Captain Moussa "Dadis" Camara that he may stand for the national presidential election scheduled in January 2010, reneging on a previous promise not to contest the election. A number of female protestors were raped and sexually assaulted with guns by soldiers in the streets of the capital city, Conakry in what clearly are repugnant criminal acts against citizens exercising their right of democratic dissent.
Guinea has a long history of military dictatorships. The present military regime headed by Captain Camara seized power in a coup in December 2008 following the death of President Lasana Conté who controlled Guinea from 1984-2008 by means of another military dictatorship. Although, the regime has promised to hold elections, no indications of any substantive commitment to a free and fair democratic process have emerged, as evidenced by indications given by Captain Camara to stand for elections while being in control of all state institutions.
"As a condition precedent to the restoration of democracy in the country, it is essential that an independent, impartial investigation by international experts is conducted into the tragic events of 28 September and those responsible are brought to justice," said Ingrid Srinath, Secretary General of CIVICUS. "For there to be a peaceful transition, the military in Guinea must commit itself to not interfering with or contesting future elections. If the situation is left unaddressed, it could have grave geo-political implications for the politically fragile West African region which has a history of civil war and conflict fuelled by military regimes."Civil society members, journalists and political activists were severely harassed following the 28 September massacre. The present climate of fear and insecurity in the country has seriously affected exercise of the freedoms of expression and assembly, raising concerns amongst civil society about the sincerity of the regime's commitment to ushering in democratic rule.
CIVICUS supports the collective demands of NGOs, trade unions and political groups which include release of all persons detained during and after the demonstrations including a number of women who have been sexually assaulted; return of bodies of slain civilians to their families; fair and adequate compensation to victims and prosecution of the offenders; the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to investigate the events; measures to protect civil society members, the independent media and opposition political activists; and complete restructuring of the security apparatus to enable respect for Guinea's commitments to its people under domestic and international human rights and humanitarian law.
CIVICUS calls upon the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and other members of the international community involved in deliberations with the military regime to take into account the demands of civil society and the aspirations of the people of Guinea. In crafting a solution to the current crisis, political considerations must not be allowed to subsume the course of justice for the victims.
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global movement of civil society with members and partners in over a hundred countries. The Civil Society Watch (CSW) programme of CIVICUS tracks threats to civil society freedoms of expression, association and assembly across the world. In 2008, CSW tracked threats in 61 countries across the globe.
For more information visit: www.civicus.org or contact Jessica Hume (), Communications Officer or Mandeep S.Tiwana (),Civil Society Watch Programme Officer
Tel: +27- 11 -833 5959 mob: +27 714698121
-
Civil and political rights are backsliding in West Africa ahead of elections
There has been a rapid decline in civic freedoms and democratic norms in Francophone West Africa with ruling presidents evading term limits and muzzling their opposition and pro-democracy groups, CIVICUS said ahead of presidential elections in Guinea (18 October) and Côte d’Ivoire (31 October).
Over the next six months a series of elections will take place across Francophone West Africa. Voting kicks off in Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire later this month, followed by elections in Burkina Faso (November), Niger (December-January) and Benin (April). Togo already had a contested presidential election in February 2020.
In Togo, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, violence and political tensions are being fuelled by presidents refusing to step down. In Benin, recent changes in eligibility requirements mean that members of the opposition may not be able to run for presidency, while Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Burkina Faso are confronting or emerging from violent armed conflicts which are being used to justify repressive laws and policies. In addition, the restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and armed groups spilling over from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea are making the political situations more volatile.In this tense political environment, the new report “Civic space backsliding ahead of elections in Francophone West Africa” examines the tools of repression being used to undermine opposition groups, human rights defenders, activists and journalists. with a focus on Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Togo.
It documents recent Internet disruptions, the arrest of hundreds of pro-democracy activists and journalists and the killing of dozens of peaceful protesters in demonstrations organised over the last three years. Governments are using restrictive laws, over-complicated registration processes, judicial harassment and excessive use of force to clampdown on civil society, particularly when dissent is expressed online or during protests.
“Instead of working with civil society groups to create an enabling environment for free and fair elections, authorities across Francophone West Africa have resorted to muzzling human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists. In the hope of stamping out all opposition, they have created a climate of fear which fuels political violence, erodes the rule of law and undermines regional stability,” said François Patuel, senior researcher on West Africa and author of the report.
In Guinea, where President Alpha Condé will run for a third term on 18 October 2020, over fifty people were killed since October 2019 in protests organised by the political opposition and pro-democracy group Front National de Défense de la Constitution (National Front for the Defence of the Constitution, FNDC). In March 2020, the constitutional referendum which opened the way to Alpha Condé running for a third term was marred with a social media shutdown and intercommunal clashes in the Guinea Forest region which left over 30 people dead. Dozens of FNDC supporters and journalists have been detained since the creation of the movement in April 2019.
In Côte d’Ivoire, at least 12 people were killed in protests and clashes between political supporters following President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to run for a third term for the presidential election scheduled on 31 October 2020. Public protests have been banned since August 2020. The authorities have adopted laws criminalising false news and used them to target journalists, bloggers and politicians expressing dissent, including members of parliament such as Alain Lobognon who remains in detention since December 2019. In gross contempt to regional institutions, Côte d’Ivoire has been ignoring orders from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to release pro-Soro supporters and allow Guillaume Soro and Laurent Gbagbo to stand for elections.
“Local human rights groups do not take up sensitive political cases for fear of reprisals. Even lawyers are scared.” --Woman human rights defender, Abidjan, 15 May 2020.
“On paper, the right to freedom of expression is supposed to be protected. But in practice, journalists are intimidated when they write on sensitive topics such as land rights, police brutality and corruption.” -- Interview with a human rights defender, Lomé, 14 May 2020.
With civic freedoms backsliding across West Africa Francophone, civil society organisations need support from regional and international partners to remain safe, to ensure their voice is heard in international and regional fora and to increase the pressure on national authorities for positive human rights change. ECOWAS and the African Union, in particular, must step-up their response to the authorities’ disregard for regional standards and instruments, including their efforts to undermine the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Interviews
To arrange interviews, please contact:
François Patuel, Consultant & Senior Researcher on West Africa for CIVICUS, , +221 77 693 78 46 -
Five countries added to the civic space watchlist
- Egypt, China (Hong Kong), Colombia, Guinea and Kazakhstan join global watchlist
- Escalating rights violations include arrests, abductions and assassinations of activists, as well as the persecution of journalists and media blackouts
- International community must pressure governments to end repression and bring perpetrators to account
Five countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America have been added to a watchlist of countries which have seen a rapid decline in fundamental freedoms in recent weeks and months. The new watchlist released by the CIVICUS Monitor, an online platform that tracks the latest developments to civic freedoms across the globe, identifies growing concerns in Egypt, China (Hong Kong), Colombia, Guinea and Kazakhstan.
Activists, civil society groups and peaceful protesters in these countries are experiencing an alarming number of attacks to their civic freedoms as protected by international law. In particular, the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. Violations include the murder of human rights defenders and social leaders in Colombia; excessive force and mass arrests against protesters in Hong Kong, Egypt and Kazakhstan; and the arbitrary arrest of activists in Guinea who are trying to uphold the constitution and presidential term limits as the country prepares for 2020 elections.
“It is deeply alarming to see ongoing and serious attacks to basic rights in these countries,” said Marianna Belalba Barreto, CIVICUS Civic Space Research Lead. “The scale of these violations is often under reported as journalists in these countries are facing their own host of restrictions” Belalba said. “We call upon neighbouring states and international bodies to put pressure on these countries to end the repression.”
In September 2019, demonstrations against alleged government corruption in Egypt were met with excessive force. The use of tear gas was widespread and videos have surfaced of police beating protesters before being taken into custody. In a bid to silence government critics, security forces have carried out sweeping arrests of protesters, detained journalists, blocked news websites and disrupted online messaging services. Civic space in Egypt is rated as Closed.
Human rights groups in Hong Kong have documented excessive and unlawful force by security forces against protesters including the use of truncheons, pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. Protesters have also been attacked by pro Beijing mobs. More than 1,300 people have been arrested in the context of the mass protests as of mid-September 2019 and some have been ill-treated in detention. Civic space in China (Hong Kong) is rated as Closed.
In Colombia, dozens of community leaders have been killed this year, and violence has escalated ahead of October's Municipal Elections. Thousands have marched across the country calling for an end to the violence and impunity for these crimes. Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights defenders and environmental activists. Civic space in Colombia is rated as Repressed.
In Guinea, plans to change the constitution, which could see the presidential term limit abolished, has sparked opposition and protests. Activists opposing constitutional changes have been arbitrarily arrested, and security forces have used live ammunition and tear gas during protests, killing several people and injuring dozens more. Civic space in Guinea is rated as Obstructed.
While in Kazakhstan, since June 2019 elections human rights abuses have hit a new high. The work of journalists and electoral observers has been obstructed, while thousands have been detained in post-election protests. Civic space in Kazakhstan is rated as Obstructed.
In the coming weeks and months, the CIVICUS Monitor will closely track developments in each of these countries as part of efforts to ensure greater pressure is brought to bear on governments and the perpetrators of these attacks. The CIVICUS Monitor rates countries based on the state of their civic space as either open, narrow, obstructed, repressed or closed. These ratings are based on multiple streams of data that assess the state of freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
-
Guinea placed on human rights watchlist ahead of referendum
- Guinea placed on CIVICUS Monitor watchlist ahead of referendum
- Escalating rights violations include use of excessive force on protesters
- CIVICUS calls for release of human rights defenders and urges President Condé to step down
Guinea has been placed on the CIVICUS Monitor human rights watchlist ahead of the proposed referendum on 22nd March. This list draws attention to countries where there has been a rapid decline in civic and democratic freedoms in recent months.
Guinea was placed on the Monitor’s watchlist in October after deadly crackdowns and arbitrary arrests of protesters. It remains on the watchlist because the CIVICUS Monitor is concerned that if the government pushes ahead with the controversial referendum later this week, then further violence and unrest will follow.
Guinea is rated ‘obstructed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor, which is the third worst rating a country can receive by the global index, in the same category as Mali, Sierra Leone and Liberia. In obstructed countries, civic space is often monopolised by those in power and excessive force is commonly used by law enforcement agencies.
Since October 2019, more than 30 people have been killed and dozens injured in widespread protests that have engulfed Guinea, as protesters call on the government to respect the provisions of the current constitution. The current constitution limits presidential tenures to two five-year terms and can only be changed via a referendum. If changed, it could pave the way for President Alpha Condé to remain in power.
Le Front national de la défense de la Constitution, or the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a movement composed of civil society and the political opposition, have been leading calls against a potential third term bid for President Condé.
The leaders of the FNDC, human rights defenders Ibrahima Diallo and Sekou Koundouno, were arrested by masked men from the BRI (Investigation and Intervention Brigade) on 6 March and taken to an unknown destination. They were arrested immediately after expressing concerns over the ongoing arbitrary arrests of activists during a press conference. On 12th March they were released on bail and placed under judicial control.
In October 2019 thirteen FNDC leaders were arrested ahead of planned protests in Conakry and accused of organizing banned protests and inciting civil disobedience. Five of them were sentenced to jail terms ranging from six months to one year. Journalists have also been physically assaulted for covering the protests and their equipment seized to prevent them from broadcasting images of the protests.
The arrest and detention of human rights defenders highlights how the Guinean authorities are trying to silence pro-democracy voices and pave the way for President Condé to extend his term in office:
“By arresting human rights defenders, the Guinean authorities aim to silence the voices of those who are against a new constitution. It is time for President Condé and his administration to respect the wishes of Guinean people and allow a political transition which will usher in a new era in Guinea’s nascent democracy,” said David Kode, head of advocacy and campaigns at CIVICUS.
CIVICUS calls on the government of Guinea to immediately release all human rights defenders in detention.
CIVICUS also calls on the African Union to ensure that the government of Guinea respects provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance: it urges President Condé to respect the current constitution and step aside when his mandate ends to allow for a peaceful political transition.
ENDS
Contact:
Nina Teggarty, CIVICUS Communications Officer, Campaigns & Advocacy
Phone: +27 (0)785013500
-
GUINEA: ‘The democratic future of the region is at stake in our country’
CIVICUS speaks about the lack of progress in the transition to democracy in Guinea since its 2021 military coup with Abdoulaye Oumou Sow, head of communications for the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC).
The FNDC is a coalition of Guinean civil society organisations and opposition parties founded in April 2019 to protest against former President Alpha Condé’s proposed constitutional change to seek a third term. The coalition continued to fight for a return to constitutional rule after the September 2021 military coup. On 8 August 2022, the transitional governmentdecreed its dissolution, accusing it of organising armed public demonstrations, using violence and inciting hatred.
Why is there a delay in calling elections to restore constitutional order?
The National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD), the junta in power since September 2021, is more interested in seizing power than organising elections. It is doing everything possible to restrict civic space and silence any dissenting voices that try to protest and remind them that the priority of a transition must be the return to constitutional order. It is imprisoning leaders and members of civil society and the political opposition for mobilising to demand elections, and has just ordered the dissolution of the FNDC under false accusations of organising armed demonstrations on the streets and acting as a combat group or private militia.
What are the conditions set by the military and how has the democratic opposition reacted?
In violation of Article 77 of the Transitional Charter, which provides for the duration of the transition to be determined by agreement between the CNRD and the country’s main social and political actors, the military junta has unilaterally set a duration of 36 months without listening to the opinion of social and political forces. The junta is currently set on not listening to anyone.
The military are savagely repressing citizens who are mobilising for democracy and demanding the opening of a frank dialogue between the country’s social and political forces and the CNRD to agree on a reasonable timeframe for the return to constitutional order. Lacking the will to let go of power, the head of the junta is wallowing in arrogance and contempt. His attitude is reminiscent of the heyday of the dictatorship of the deposed regime of Alpha Condé.
What has been the public reaction?
Most socio-political forces currently feel excluded from the transition process and there have been demonstrations for the restoration of democracy.
But the junta runs the country like a military camp. Starting on 13 May 2002, a CNRD communiqué has banned all demonstrations on public spaces. This decision is contrary to Article 8 of the Transitional Charter, which protects fundamental freedoms. Human rights violations have subsequently multiplied. Civic space is completely under lock and key. Activists are persecuted, some have been arrested and others are living in hiding. Despite the many appeals of human rights organisations, the junta multiplies its abuses against pro-democracy citizens.
On 28 July 2022, at the call of the FNDC, pro-democracy citizens mobilised to protest against the junta’s seizure of power. But unfortunately, this mobilisation was prevented and repressed with bloody force. At least five people were shot dead, dozens were injured and hundreds were arrested. Others were deported to the Alpha Yaya Diallo military camp, where they have been tortured by the military.
Among those arrested and currently held in Conakry prison are the National Coordinator of the FNDC, Oumar Sylla Foniké Manguè, the FNDC’s head of operations, Ibrahima Diallo and the Secretary General of the Union of Republican Forces, Saikou Yaya Barry. They are accused of illegal assembly, destruction of public buildings and disturbances of public order.
How can the international community, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in particular, give the pro-democracy movement the support it needs?
Today it is more necessary than ever for the international community to accompany the people of Guinea who are under the thumb of a new military dictatorship.
The democratic future of the region is at stake in our country. If the international community, and ECOWAS in particular, remains silent, it will set a dangerous precedent for the region. Because of its management of the previous crisis generated by the third mandate of Alpha Condé, Guinean citizens do not have much faith in the sub-regional institution. From now on, the force of change must come from within, through the determination of the people of Guinea to take their destiny in hand.
Civic space in Guinea is rated ‘repressed’ by theCIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with the FNDC through itswebsite or itsFacebook page and follow@FNDC_Gn on Twitter. -
Guinea: Civil society calls for the lifting of a ban on assemblies
The decision made by Guinea's transitional authorities to ban public demonstrations in public spaces for the duration of the transitional period seeks to undermine further the right to protest and prevent Guineans from expressing their views about issues affecting them.
-
Guinea: Release human rights defenders and lift restrictions on freedom of assembly
The use of violence and the killing of demonstrators to disperse ongoing protests in Guinea entrenches impunity and is a major setback for the fragile transition, global civil society alliance CIVICUS said today. Human rights groups reportthat at least five people were killed and several injured as the armed forces in Guinea used violence to disperse protesters on 28 and 29 July 2022.
-
Guinée : CIVICUS appelle à la libération des défenseurs des droits humains et place la Guinée sur la liste de surveillance des droits humains
- L'alliance mondiale de la société civile CIVICUS demande la libération des défenseurs des droits humains Ibrahima Diallo et Sekou Koundouno.
- La Guinée placée sur la liste de surveillance de CIVICUS Monitor à l'approche du référendum
- Appel au retrait du président Condé à la fin de son mandat présidentiel
CIVICUS, l'alliance mondiale des organisations de la société civile, appelle le gouvernement de Guinée à libérer les défenseurs des droits humains Ibrahima Diallo et Sekou Koundouno.
Les deux défenseurs des droits humains ont été arrêtés le 6 mars par des hommes masqués de la BRI (Brigade d'Investigation et d'Intervention) et emmenés vers une destination inconnue. Ils ont été arrêtés immédiatement après avoir exprimé leurs préoccupations concernant les arrestations arbitraires en cours de militants lors d'une conférence de presse.
Diallo et Koundouno sont les dirigeants du Front national de la défense de la Constitution, ou FNDC (National Front for the Defence of the Constitution), un mouvement composé de la société civile et de l'opposition politique. Ils ont mené des appels contre une éventuelle candidature pour un troisième mandat du président Condé.
L'arrestation et la détention de défenseurs des droits de l'homme mettent en évidence la manière dont les autorités guinéennes tentent de faire taire les voix pro-démocratiques et d'ouvrir la voie à la prolongation du mandat du président Condé.
Plus de 30 personnes ont été tuées et des dizaines d'autres blessées depuis que des manifestationsde grande ampleur contre une nouvelle constitution ont englouti la Guinée en octobre 2019. Les manifestants ont appelé le gouvernement à respecter les dispositions de la constitution actuelle qui prévoit que le mandat présidentiel ne peut excéder deux mandats de cinq ans.
En octobre 2019, treize dirigeants du FNDC ont été arrêtés avant les manifestations prévues à Conakry et accusés d'avoir organisé des manifestations interdites et d'avoir incité à la désobéissance civile. Cinq d'entre eux ont été condamnés à des peines de prison allant de six mois à un an. Des journalistes ont également été agressés physiquement pour avoir couvert les manifestations et leur matériel a été saisi pour les empêcher de diffuser des images des manifestations.
"En arrêtant Ibrahima Diallo et Sekou Koundouno ainsi que d'autres défenseurs des droits de l'homme, les autorités guinéennes visent à faire taire les voix de ceux qui sont contre une nouvelle constitution. Il est temps que le président Condé et son administration respectent la volonté du peuple guinéen et permettent une transition politique qui ouvrira une nouvelle ère dans la démocratie naissante de la Guinée", a déclaré David Kode, responsable du plaidoyer et des campagnes à CIVICUS.
Pour contourner la constitution actuelle et ouvrir la voie à un troisième mandat, le président Condé a déclaré qu'il pourrait entamer le processus de modificationde la constitution par le biais d'un référendum.
Le référendum a été reporté pour la deuxième fois le 11 mars 2020 et une nouvelle date n'a pas été fixée. Cependant, le CIVICUS Monitor a ajouté la Guinée à sa liste de surveillance car si le gouvernement poursuit ce vote controversé, de nouvelles violences et de nouveaux troubles sont à prévoir.
La Guinée est classée dans la catégorie "Obstruée" par le CIVICUS Monitor. Dans les pays "obstrués", l'espace civique est monopolisé par ceux qui sont au pouvoir et la force excessive est couramment utilisée par les forces de l'ordre.
CIVICUS demande à l'Union africaine de veiller à ce que le gouvernement de Guinée respecte les dispositions de la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance : elle exhorte le président Condé à respecter la constitution actuelle et à se retirer à la fin de son mandat pour permettre une transition politique pacifique.
CIVICUS appelle également le gouvernement guinéen à libérer immédiatement Ibrahima Diallo et Sekou Koundouno, ainsi que tous les défenseurs des droits de l'homme en détention.
FIN
Contact:
Nina Teggarty, Responsable de la communication, des campagnes et du plaidoyer chez CIVICUS
Téléphone: +27 (0)785013500
-
Guinée : libérez les défenseurs des droits humains et levez les restrictions à la liberté de réunion
Le recours à la violence et le meurtre de manifestants en vue de disperser les manifestations qui ont actuellement lieu en Guinée ont pour effet de renforcer l’impunité et constituent un revers majeur pour le processus fragile de transition, a déclaré aujourd’hui l’alliance mondiale de la société civile CIVICUS. Des groupes de défense des droits humains ont rapporté qu’au moins cinq personnes ont été tuées et plusieurs autres blessées lors de la répression violente des manifestants par les forces armées en Guinée les 28 et 29 juillet 2022.
-
La Guinée placée sur la liste de surveillance des droits humains en amont du référendum
- La Guinée placée sur la liste de surveillance de CIVICUS Monitor à l'approche du référendum
- L'escalade des violations des droits comprend l'usage d'une force excessive sur les manifestants
- CIVICUS demande la libération des défenseurs des droits humains et exhorte le Président Condé à se retirer
La Guinée a été placée sur la liste de surveillance des droits de l'homme de CIVICUS Monitor en vue du référendum proposé le 22 mars. Cette liste attire l'attention sur les pays où il y a eu un déclin rapide des libertés civiques et démocratiques au cours des derniers mois.
La Guinée a été placée sur la liste de surveillance du Monitor en octobreaprès des répressions meurtrières et des arrestations arbitraires de manifestants. Elle reste sur la liste de surveillance car le CIVICUS Monitor craint que si le gouvernement poursuit le référendum controversé plus tard cette semaine, de nouvelles violences et de nouveaux troubles s'ensuivent.La Guinée est classée comme "obstruée" par le CIVICUS Monitor, ce qui représente la troisième plus mauvaise note qu'un pays puisse recevoir selon l'indice mondial, dans la même catégorie que le Mali, la Sierra Leone et le Liberia. Dans les pays obstrués, l'espace civique est souvent monopolisé par ceux qui détiennent le pouvoir et une force excessive est couramment utilisée par les forces de l'ordre.
Depuis octobre 2019, plus de 30 personnes ont été tuées et des dizaines d'autres blessées lors des vastes manifestations qui ont embrasé la Guinée, alors que les manifestants appellent le gouvernement à respecter les dispositions de la constitution actuelle. La constitution actuelle limite le mandat présidentiel à deux mandats de cinq ans et ne peut être modifiée que par le biais d'un référendum. Si elle est modifiée, elle pourrait ouvrir la voie au maintien au pouvoir du président Alpha Condé.
Le Front national de la défense de la Constitution(FNDC), un mouvement composé de la société civile et de l'opposition politique, a lancé des appels contre une éventuelle candidature au troisième mandat du président Condé.
Les dirigeants du FNDC, les défenseurs des droits de l'homme Ibrahima Diallo et Sekou Koundouno, ont été arrêtés par des hommes masqués de la BRI (Brigade d'investigation et d'intervention) le 6 mars et emmenés vers une destination inconnue. Ils ont été arrêtés immédiatement après avoir exprimé leurs préoccupations concernant les arrestations arbitraires de militants en cours lors d'une conférence de presse. Le 12 mars, ils ont été libérés sous caution et placés sous contrôle judiciaire.
En octobre 2019, treize dirigeants des FNDC ont été arrêtés avant les manifestations prévues à Conakry et accusés d'avoir organisé des manifestations interdites et d'avoir incité à la désobéissance civile. Cinq d'entre eux ont été condamnés à des peines de prison allant de six mois à un an. Des journalistes ont également été agressés physiquement pour avoir couvert les manifestations et leur matériel a été saisi pour les empêcher de diffuser des images des manifestations.
L'arrestation et la détention de défenseurs des droits de l'homme mettent en évidence la manière dont les autorités guinéennes tentent de faire taire les voix pro-démocratiques et ouvrent la voie à la prolongation du mandat du président Condé :
"En arrêtant les défenseurs des droits de l'homme, les autorités guinéennes visent à faire taire les voix de ceux qui sont contre une nouvelle constitution. Il est temps que le président Condé et son administration respectent la volonté du peuple guinéen et permettent une transition politique qui ouvrira une nouvelle ère dans la démocratie naissante de la Guinée", a déclaré David Kode, responsable du plaidoyer et des campagnes à CIVICUS.
CIVICUS appelle le gouvernement guinéen à libérer immédiatement les défenseurs des droits humains incarcérés.
CIVICUS demande à l'Union africaine de veiller à ce que le gouvernement de Guinée respecte les dispositions de la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance : elle exhorte le président Condé à respecter la constitution actuelle et à se retirer à la fin de son mandat pour permettre une transition politique pacifique.
FIN
Contact:
Nina Teggarty, Responsable de la communication, des campagnes et du plaidoyer chez CIVICUS
Téléphone: +27 (0)785013500
CIVICUS media team:
-
The Council must address deteriorating human rights situations before they become crises
Statement at the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 4 General Debate
Delivered by Lisa Majumdar
Thank you, Mr President.
The Council’s prevention mandate is a responsibility to address situations which face becoming human rights crises. One of the warning signs of this is of a serious and rapid decline in the respect for civic space. The CIVICUS Watchlist, published last week, identified a number of countries to take note of in this regard.
Sri Lanka continues to see arbitrary arrests and the use of excessive force by the security forces as part of a crackdown on anti-government protests, as well as attacks on journalists, following its worst economic crisis in decades. We urge the Council to adopt a strong resolution addressing the situation, as well as progressing long-overdue accountability and reconciliation initiatives.
Serious civic space violations have been ongoing in Guatemala as the government moves to undermine the rule of law and reverse anti-corruption efforts of recent years. As Zimbabwe gears up for general elections next year, civic space is under severe attack as the incumbent President, seeks to defend his presidency. In Serbia, the government has attempted to ban LGBTQI+ events and there remain ongoing threats to environmental rights defenders and journalists. In Guinea, the government is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices, particularly those criticising management of the ongoing political transition.
We call on the Council to use its prevention mandate to address these situations before they deteriorate still further.
In situations where crises are already all too apparent, the Council must respond accordingly. Human rights violations in Russia and those documented by the High Commissioner in China demand the strongest response, and we call on the Council to urgently establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms for these respective human rights situations.
We thank you.
-
Un nouveau rapport montre que les libertés civiles et politiques sont en recul en Afrique de l’Ouest à l’approche des élections présidentielles.
Les libertés civiles et les normes démocratiques enregistrent un net recul en Afrique de l’Ouest francophone avec des présidents au pouvoir contournant les limites de mandat et muselant les militants pro-démocratie et les opposants, a déclaré CIVICUS, à l’approche les élections présidentielles en Guinée (18 octobre) et en Côte d’Ivoire (31 octobre).
Au cours des six prochains mois, une série d’élections se tiendra dans plusieurs pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone. Les élections débuteront en Guinée et en Côte d’Ivoire en octobre, puis au Burkina Faso (novembre), au Niger (décembre-janvier) et au Bénin (avril). Le Togo a déjà organisé une élection présidentielle contestée en février 2020.Au Togo, en Guinée et en Côte d’Ivoire, la violence et les tensions politiques sont alimentées par le refus des présidents de ne pas se retirer à la fin de leur mandat. Au Bénin, des changements récents dans les conditions d’éligibilité signifient que les membres de l’opposition pourraient ne pas être en mesure de se présenter à la prochaine présidentielle, tandis que la Côte d’Ivoire, le Niger et le Burkina Faso sont actuellement confrontés ou sont en train de sortir de conflits armés violents qui sont utilisés pour justifier des lois et politiques répressives. En outre, les restrictions introduites en réponse à la pandémie COVID-19 ainsi que l'avancée de groupes armés du Sahel vers le golfe de Guinée rendent la situation plus instable.
Dans ce climat politique tendu, le nouveau rapport «L’espace civique en recul à l’approche des élections en Afrique de l’Ouest francophone» examine les outils de répression utilisés pour affaiblir les groupes d’opposition, saper le travail des défenseurs des droits humains, des militants et des journalistes, avec un accent sur le Bénin, la Côte d’Ivoire, la Guinée, le Niger et le Togo.
Ce rapport documente les récentes perturbations d’Internet, l’arrestation de centaines de journalistes et d’activistes pro-démocratie ainsi que les homicides de dizaines de manifestants pacifiques lors des manifestations organisées au cours des trois dernières années. Les gouvernements utilisent des lois restrictives, des processus d’enregistrement trop complexes, le harcèlement judiciaire et un recours excessif à la force pour réprimer la société civile, en particulier lorsque la divergence d’opinion est exprimée en ligne ou lors de manifestations.
«Plutôt que de travailler avec la société civile pour créer un environnement propice à des élections libres et équitables en Afrique de l'Ouest, les autorités répriment les défenseurs des droits humains et les militants pro-démocratie. Dans l’espoir d’éradiquer toute opposition, elles ont créé un climat de peur qui alimente la violence politique, érode l’état de droit et mine la stabilité régionale », a déclaré François Patuel, chercheur principal sur l’Afrique de l’Ouest et auteur du rapport.
En Guinée, où le président Alpha Condé se présentera pour un troisième mandat le 18 octobre 2020, plus de cinquante personnes ont été tuées depuis octobre 2019 lors de manifestations organisées par l’opposition politique et le groupe pro-démocratie Front National de Défense de la Constitution (FNDC). En mars 2020, le référendum constitutionnel qui a ouvert la voie à la candidature d’Alpha Condé pour un troisième mandat a été marqué par la fermeture des réseaux sociaux ainsi que par des affrontements intercommunautaires en Guinée forestière qui ont fait plus de 30 morts. Des dizaines de sympathisants du FNDC et de journalistes ont été arrêtés depuis la création du mouvement en avril 2019.
En Côte d’Ivoire, au moins 12 personnes ont été tuées lors de manifestations et d’affrontements entre militants politiques à la suite de la décision du président Alassane Ouattara de se présenter pour un troisième mandat à l’élection présidentielle prévue le 31 octobre 2020. Les manifestations publiques sont interdites depuis août 2020. Les autorités ont adopté des lois criminalisant les fausses nouvelles et les ont utilisées pour cibler des journalistes, des blogueurs et des politiciens exprimant leur divergence d’opinion, y compris des parlementaires comme Alain Lobognon qui est en détention depuis décembre 2019. Au mépris des institutions régionales, la Côte d’Ivoire a ignoré les ordonnances de la Cour Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples exigeant la libération des sympatisants de Guillaume Soro et demandant aux autorités de permettre à Guillaume Soro et Laurent Gbagbo de se présenter à la présidentielle.
«Les groupes locaux de défense des droits humains ne prennent pas en charge les affaires politiques sensibles par peur de représailles. Même les avocats ont peur. » –Une femme défenseure des droits humains, Abidjan, 15 mai 2020.
«Sur le papier, le droit à la liberté d’expression est censé être protégé. Mais dans la pratique, les journalistes sont intimidés lorsqu’ils écrivent sur des sujets sensibles tels que les droits fonciers, la brutalité policière et la corruption. » - Entretien avec un défenseur des droits humains, Lomé, 14 mai 2020.
Avec le recul des libertés civiques dans toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, les organisations de la société civile ont besoin du soutien des partenaires régionaux et internationaux pour rester en sécurité, pour s’assurer que leur voix est entendue dans les forums internationaux et régionaux et pour augmenter la pression sur les autorités nationales pour un changement positif en matière de droits humains. La CEDEAO et l’Union africaine, en particulier, doivent affermir leur réponse face au mépris des autorités pour les normes et instruments régionaux, y compris les efforts de ces dernières visant à affaiblir la Cour Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples.
ENTREVUES
Pour organiser des entretiens, veuillez contacter:
François Patuel, consultant et chercheur senior sur l’Afrique de l’Ouest pour CIVICUS, , +221 77693 78 46 -
Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report
Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report
Johannesburg | 4 July, 2023
- Same-sex relations criminalised in at least 27 countries south of the Sahara
- Organisations shut down and offices raided for their work on LGBTQI+ rights
- Widespread bans on the publication of information on gay rights
- Anti-LGBTQI+ laws and practices disproportionately impact other excluded groups including women, children and victims of abuse
From Uganda to Cameroon, LGBTQI+ activists face significant restrictions due to the prevailing social, cultural and legal attitudes towards homosexuality and gender identity. A new report by CIVICUS, Challenging Barriers: Investigating Civic Space Limitations on LGBTQI+ Rights in Africa, looks at some common challenges faced by activists and civil society groups in countries south of the Sahara.
Many African countries have laws that criminalise same sex activity. The laws, often remnants of colonial era legislation, can be used to target and prosecute LGBTQI+ individuals, including activists. Penalties range from fines, imprisonment to even the death penalty in some countries.
Limited legal protection in many African countries offers little or no protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This lack of protection makes it difficult for activists and civil society groups to advocate for equal rights or seek justice when they face human rights abuses. The offices and activities of civil society organisations advocating for LGBTQI+ rights have been either raided or shutdown in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Cameroon.
Attacks against people who identify as LGBTQI+ are common in countries such as Benin, Cameroon and Kenya. In Cameroon since 2022 there have been over 30 recorded cases of violence and abuse against LGBTQI+ people, while in Kenya sexual minority groups face escalating homophobic attacks. In January 2023, following a series of killings in 2022, unknown assailants murdered and dumped the body of LGBTQI+ activist Edwin Chiloba. Chiloba’s death, which many linked to his sexual orientation sparked public outrage, with civil society groups and members of the public denouncing the murder and calling on the authorities to bring those involved to justice.“With the escalating hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Africa, this report sheds light on the grave reality faced by many, and compels us to challenge prejudice, and advocate for equality - especially for the most marginalised. Governments must ensure equal protection for all people in accordance with their obligations on non-discrimination under international human rights law. We implore governments to take robust measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sylvia Mbataru, CIVICUS’ Civic Space Researcher for Eastern & Southern Africa.
Censorship and restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly have contributed to a deteriorating environment for activists. In several countries, the publication and dissemination of material on LGBTQI+ issues face strict editorial controls and bans. CIVICUS also documents how protests are being suppressed, including the use of various laws to deny permits for public demonstrations, specifically targeting LGBTQI gatherings.
Despite the hostile environment in many countries, civil society groups continue to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and score important victories. The report also documents a number of positive developments including the decriminalization of same sex relations in Botswana and Gabon, as well as a recent Supreme Court decision in Namibia to recognise same-sex marriages concluded abroad between citizens and foreign spouses.
The report concludes by demonstrating the impact of civic space restrictions against LGBTQI+ groups, and shows how the ramifications of these restrictions also affect other excluded groups including women and children.
DOWNLOAD REPORT
