Africa Day Statement: Defending the right to protest in Africa!
May 25 is a historic day for Africa, as we celebrate the unity and solidarity of our founding patrons who fought tirelessly for the freedom and independence of the continent.
Today, as we work towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 of “the Africa we want” we call on all Africans to unite and defend the right to protest, assemble, demonstrate and to present petitions in the continent. As R2K, we have noted with concern on how African governments are regularly limiting the right to freedom of assembly with impunity.
There have been disturbing reports from countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and here in South Africa on how dissent is met with threats, repression and police brutality.
The right to protest is pivotal for the proper functioning of a democracy and the ability for ordinary people to demand accountability and justice.
If we are to attain the Pan African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena we need to unite in calling out governments that are trampling on the right to organise.
We call on the youth who are the custodians and beneficiaries of the continent to rekindle the spirit of unity, togetherness and solidarity as demonstrated by our founding patrons. We need to reconnect and support in solidarity the interventions that are implemented to develop a better Africa. This day also represents an opportunity to acknowledge the progress that we as Africans have made while reflecting upon the common challenges we face in the global environment.
We call on the Zimbabwean government to release four Zimbabwean human rights defenders who were arrested on Monday night following a news report about an alleged plot to overthrow the government!
In Tanzania, last week, the Committee to Protect Journalists and 37 other non-governmental organizations wrote to member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, asking them to address the crackdown on human rights in Tanzania at the 41st session of the council. We fully support that call. Read the full letter here.
In Cameroon, police have shot and wounded peaceful protesters in a continuous violent crackdown. According to Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Deputy Director, “the crackdown on peaceful protests across several cities undermines the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Cameroon”.
Right here at home, we have Abahlali BaseMjondolo who are constantly terrorised by the eThekwini Municipality. Last week, shortly after the arrest of the eThekwini mayor, the ABM’s offices were broken into and the criminals ran off with two hard drives and an external drive which left the movement “strongly suspecting” that the break-in was linked to their opposition to the mayor. We are outraged by the victimization of poor people who are battling to access proper services in this country.
To observe Africa Day, R2K will be hosting a dialogue to discuss the importance of defending the right to protest in Africa.
Event Details:
Western Cape: Africa Day Dialogue: Defending the right to protest in Africa
Makukhanye Artroom, Site B, Khayelitsha
25 May 2019
12 PM – 3 PM
Panelists:
Ernest Muchu Toh – SSCDHR Western Cape Coordinator
Tendai Bhiza – Activist from PASSOP
Nomacebo Mbayo – R2K Western Cape Organiser
Motlatsi Monyake – Lesotho Students Association – UCT Chairperson
KZN: Africa Day Round Table Panel Discussion
R2K office, Diakonia Centre, Durban
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
For more information contact:
Ghalib Galant, R2K Deputy National Coordinator: 084 959 1912
Thami Nkosi, Interim Organizer: Secrecy and Securitization: 062 624 5992
Nomacebo Mbayo, R2K WC Organiser on 064 311 0375
