East African Lawyers Say Governments Abuse Human Rights.
A group of top lawyers in East Africa says the region's governments are hurting their people. They claim leaders are kidnapping, torturing, and even killing citizens.
The lawyers are very worried. They say these terrible acts often target people who criticize their government. This includes activists, journalists, and protesters.
The lawyers point to specific countries as examples. In Kenya, over 80 people have been taken since big protests in June 2024. The protests were against a money bill that would make life more expensive. The government stopped the bill, but people are still disappearing.
Tanzania is having problems, too. The lawyers say people who oppose the government are being murdered or attacked with acid.
Uganda's government is also accused of silencing people who don't agree with it. The lawyers claim these people are tortured and held in secret prisons.
The lawyers say Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo, and Somalia all have human rights issues as well. Both governments and rebel groups are hurting everyday people.
The lawyers believe these actions violate important rules of the East African Community and go against what the countries have promised to do.
Most countries have signed global agreements to protect human rights, but lawyers say the governments aren't keeping their promises.
The lawyers want the governments to act now. They say everyone who has been taken must be let go. If they do something wrong, the police can arrest them the right way.
The lawyers say the countries need to work together better. They should train their militaries and police to respect people's rights. They also want the governments to talk more with groups that help victims.
The lawyers think the countries' leaders need to meet soon and devise real plans to stop these crimes. If they don't, the lawyers warn, human rights in East Africa will be in danger.
A group of top lawyers in East Africa says the region's governments are hurting their people. They claim leaders are kidnapping, torturing, and even killing citizens.
The lawyers are very worried. They say these terrible acts often target people who criticize their government. This includes activists, journalists, and protesters.
The lawyers point to specific countries as examples. In Kenya, over 80 people have been taken since big protests in June 2024. The protests were against a money bill that would make life more expensive. The government stopped the bill, but people are still disappearing.
Tanzania is having problems, too. The lawyers say people who oppose the government are being murdered or attacked with acid.
Uganda's government is also accused of silencing people who don't agree with it. The lawyers claim these people are tortured and held in secret prisons.
The lawyers say Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo, and Somalia all have human rights issues as well. Both governments and rebel groups are hurting everyday people.
The lawyers believe these actions violate important rules of the East African Community and go against what the countries have promised to do.
Most countries have signed global agreements to protect human rights, but lawyers say the governments aren't keeping their promises.
The lawyers want the governments to act now. They say everyone who has been taken must be let go. If they do something wrong, the police can arrest them the right way.
The lawyers say the countries need to work together better. They should train their militaries and police to respect people's rights. They also want the governments to talk more with groups that help victims.
The lawyers think the countries' leaders need to meet soon and devise real plans to stop these crimes. If they don't, the lawyers warn, human rights in East Africa will be in danger.
