Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in Nigeria
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), throught its Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in Nigeria, Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Focal Point on Reprisals in Africa, Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, has expressed deep concern regarding the human rights violations that occurred in response to the #EndBadGovernance mass protests in Nigeria.
Reports received by the Commission indicate that on August 2, 2024, and in the days following, there were multiple instances of clashes and fatalities linked to the actions of security and law enforcement personnel during protests under the banner of #EndBadGovernance.
The Commission said it was gravely troubled by the tragic loss of at least 13 lives during the demonstrations saying such loss of lives, when caused by the actions of security or law enforcement agencies, may constitute a violation of Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter). It reminded the Nigerian authorities that its jurisprudence on the use of force, as articulated in the General Comment on the Right to Life under Article 4 of the African Charter, mandates that law enforcement agencies must avoid the use of excessive force.
The Commission also echoed the condemnation by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission of the violations experienced by journalists at Eagle Square, at the hands of the Nigerian Police pointing out that such actions against journalists violate Articles 5, 6, and 9 of the African Charter.
Given the severity of these concerns, the Commission called upon the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take immediate and decisive actions to, among others, respect and protect the right to peaceful protest; cease actions leading to loss of life; and engage in dialogue and implement reforms.
The Commission said it remained steadfast 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 constitutional governance.
