The Dullah Omar Institute strongly condemns the attack by the Nigerian government on #EndSARS protesters

The Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, has closely followed the developments in Nigeria over the last two weeks, with a particular interest on the human rights situation in the country.

The various regional human rights treaties – to which Nigeria is signatory – guarantees the right to life, freedom of movement, freedom of speech and assembly.

As an institute committed to the entrenchment of constitutionalism, democracy and human rights in South Africa and the African region as a whole, the DOI strongly and unequivocally condemns the attacks by security operatives of the Nigerian government on #EndSARS peaceful protests.

Following prolonged periods of violence by law enforcement institutions against citizens, earlier this month (6 October 2020), Nigerian youths staged nationwide peaceful protests, demanding an end to the oppressive Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigerian police.

To date, protesters’ demands have been met with less than satisfactory responses from the Nigerian government, ranging from no response to non-committal gestures. Furthermore, in disregard of its commitment under both international and regional conventions, as well as the basic rights to life, dignity, health and freedom of persons, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the protesters have been met with violence and wide spread arrests.

The Nigerian government, through its law enforcement agencies, has used brutal force to silence, maim, injure and even kill its citizens.

Media reports are replete with the incidents of the night of 20th October 2020, in which the Nigerian government, acting through its security agents – unprovoked – fired live ammunition at thousands of peaceful protesters gathered at the Lekki toll gate. Some died and many others suffered serious injury. This goes against all of Nigeria’s commitments under both international and regional conventions. This is in clear violation of article 11 of the Charter and inconsistent with the Commission’s Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly. The Guidelines urge states to ensure that the rights of peaceful protesters are guaranteed and that the state refrain from excessive use of force or other measures inconsistent with the Charter or international law.

The Dullah Omar Institute is greatly saddened by the loss of lives and commiserates with families of victims. May the souls of the departed rest peacefully and may their ultimate sacrifice yield the fruits of good governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The DOI aligns itself with the struggles of the Nigerian people, some of whom are represented on our staff and student complement, as they strive for the entrenchment of the rule of law and an end to police brutality, impunity and bad governance.

The DOI has today submitted an official request for emergency intervention to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission). The Commission, by virtue of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is tasked with promoting and protecting the human rights of all in Africa. The DOI believes the Commission’s intervention is both crucial and urgent to preserve the lives and dignity of Nigerians and avoid further irreparable damage.  The Dullah Omar Institute and its partners are also exploring the use of the official complaint mechanisms of the African Union, to institute legal proceedings against the Nigerian government.

The Dullah Omar Institute continues to stand for the entrenchment of constitutionalism, good governance and the rule of law and an end to impunity on the African continent.

 

#EndSARS

 

Ebenezer Durojaye

Head, Socio-Economic Rights Project

Dullah Omar Institute

University of the Western Cape

Cape Town

South Africa

Email: edurojaye@uwc.ac.za

Mobile Number: (+27) 71 918 9056

 

Oluwafunmilola Adeniyi

Researcher, Socio-Economic Rights Project

University of the Western Cape

Cape Town

South Africa

Dullah Omar Institute

Email: oladeniyi@uwc.ac.za

Mobile Number: (+27) 74 538 1317