By Abdoulie John
In the wake of the launch of a new global campaign dubbed ‘brave’ by Amnesty International, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa has called for justice for United Democratic Party (UDP) activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng, and for all victims of the Jammeh regime.
“There must be justice for Ebrima Solo Sandeng and for all victims,” Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa Alioune Tine
told this reporter.
The human rights watchdog boss’ remarks came at a time when the group
is grabbing the attention of the world on the plight of human rights defenders who are facing an increased threat. Tuesday’s launch in Dakar provided the opportunity to unveil disturbing and alarming trends about the plight of human rights defenders subjected to ‘waves of attacks’ that left dead many of them. A situation which seemed to justify rising demands for justice for those who lost their life for defending human rights.
Alioune Tine said during his meeting with President Adama Barrow, he was assured that there would be ‘zero
tolerance’ for human rights abuses.
The Gambia is emerging from 22-years of dictatorship during which the former regime has seized the rights of every citizen, and a climate of fear prevailed during these two decades of rule of former dictator.
Disturbing findings made by the rights group show that nothing has changed in the African continent.
“States across the region deploy unlawful killings, arrests, surveillance and administrative sanctions to inhibit human rights work,” Amnesty said in a news dispatch issued today.
Alarming trends that stand out as the red line is pushed too far by governments. “One protester killed every five days during demonstrations,” the rights group added.
Amnesty campaigner and researcher Francois Patuel said it is high time
for the regional bloc ECOWAS issued directives to member States
regarding respect for human rights.
Ends