In December 2023, Chad adopted an amnesty law covering all offenses committed during the events of October 20, 2022, where at least 128 people lost their lives. ACAT-France criticizes this legislation, believing that it promotes impunity and goes against the government's commitments to human rights and the rule of law. Chad's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also expressed concerns, highlighting the lack of provisions for reparation for victims and considering this an obstruction of justice. The CNDH calls on the government to put in place reparation mechanisms and transitional justice to ease tensions. The events of October 20, 2022 were marked by violent repression by security forces against demonstrators demanding a real political change, leading to serious violations of fundamental rights.

Governance, Human Rights, Impunity

The article “Democratic decline in West Africa: Characteristics and solutions” by E. Gyimah-Boadi, published by the Kofi Annan Foundation in December 2021, analyzes the decline of democratic standards in West Africa. After notable progress in the 1990s, the region is experiencing a resurgence of authoritarianism, illustrated by attempts to extend presidential terms beyond constitutional limits and an increase in electoral violence. Internal factors include a persistent authoritarian political culture and ethnic divisions, while external factors include an international environment less favorable to democratization. Growing security challenges, such as violent extremism, exacerbate this situation. To reverse this trend, the article recommends strengthening democratic institutions, promoting citizen participation and improving governance to meet the aspirations of the populations.

Governance, Democracy, Election, Human Rights, Violence

The report entitled "Survey report on the perception of a migration policy among Senegalese civil society" was published by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation on March 7, 2024. This report presents the results of a survey conducted between January 5 and February 10, 2023 in seven regions of Senegal: Dakar, Diourbel, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou and Thiès. The objective was to collect the opinions of civil society on national migration policy. Participants expressed concerns about migration management, highlighting a lack of consultation and participation of local stakeholders in policy-making. They also highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach, taking into account local realities and the rights of migrants. The report recommends better collaboration between authorities and civil society to develop effective migration policies that respect human rights.

Migration, Human Rights, Civil Society, Politique publique

The article "Digital Security in Niger" published in December 2021 by Agir Ensemble pour les Droits Humains (AEDH) examines the evolution of Niger's political, legal, and technological framework regarding digital matters. Since 2013, the country has organized forums on internet governance and established the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI) in 2017, aiming to promote universal access to ICT. However, concerns have arisen about the repression of civil society, notably with the 2019-33 law on cybercrime, whose Article 31 penalizes the dissemination of data disturbing public order. This legislation has been used to target human rights defenders and journalists. Additionally, the 2020-19 law authorizes the interception of electronic communications, raising issues regarding privacy rights. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain in protecting digital rights and freedom of expression.

Security, Human Rights, Numérique, Cybercriminalité

The interview with Solange Marie Odile Mbaye Diouf, a health socio-anthropologist, discusses youth participation in promoting human rights in Senegal. She notes progress, including the establishment of structures dedicated to adolescents and increased youth involvement in decision-making processes. However, challenges remain, such as limited access to services and information, especially in rural areas, and sociocultural norms that hinder youth participation. Ms. Diouf recommends raising awareness about regional commissions and structures, encouraging youth to educate themselves on national and international texts and mechanisms, and ensuring effective implementation of laws by the state. She also calls for better organization of civil society to promote human rights.

Human Rights, Civil Society, Santé sexuelle

The article "Human Rights in Africa" features an interview with Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, assessing the state of human rights on the continent. He highlights that the situation is particularly dire in conflict-affected countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where human rights violations are rampant and often committed with impunity, including by national and foreign military forces. Tine also criticizes the weakness of regional mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the inefficacy of national institutions in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, where fundamental freedoms are under threat. He calls for strengthening democratic institutions, respecting constitutions, and better involvement of civil society to promote and protect human rights in Africa.

Conflict, Human Rights, Impunity