Africa

Summary In the run up to the constitutional referendum, the number of arbitrary arrests increased remarkably. All the cases we monitored we were able to record were carried out by either Imbonerakure militiamen or the police or the two working together. They targeted those who campaigned against changing the constitution, particular Forces Nationales de Libération… View Article

On May 17 2018, Burundians will go to the polls for a referendum in which the people will decide whether or not the president’s term of office should be extended from five to seven years. The opposition in Burundi has seen this as a violation to the constitution and an attempt for the president to… View Article

“ Come back” Kiir tells Machar The president of Salva Kiir requested the former vice president Riek Macher to return home to South Sudan. During a meeting with the National Leadership Council, the president asked the IGAD ministers of foreign affairs to allow Dr. Riek Machar to return home to Juba. He added that he… View Article

UN sees peace process under threat The Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan David Shearer expressed his concerns over the viability of the peace process in South Sudan in the context of increased fighting between the rebels and the government forces despite the cessation of hostilities agreement signed last December. In the last… View Article

Summary Much of the first half of April 2018 was dominated by arbitrary arrests targeting persons believed to be campaigning against the change of the constitution and dominated by incitement to violence by CNDD-FDD activists threatening those likely to opposed to the constitution changes. The situation is complicated further as public authorities increased their attack… View Article

Government violates ceasefire again The opposition group the South Sudan United Movement (SSUM) led by Gen. Peter Gatdet Yaka accused government troops of violating the ceasefire agreement once more. The spokesperson of the SSUM, Col. Gatkuoth Mut Turoah, said through a status update on his Facebook page that troops attacked the SSUM base in Panyilaang… View Article