Eritrea: Statement of ELS on the Protest of October 31 (02.11.2017)

The Eritrean Law Society (ELS) is closely observing developments that have led to, and that have followed after, the unprecedented civilian protest of 31 October 2017, which occurred in the heart of the capital city of Eritrea. The protest was prompted by the announcement of a drastic government decision that affected the status of educational establishments administered by Eritrean religious institutions. Another major motive for the protest is the arbitrary arrest of respected elders and spiritual leaders, notably Haji Mussa Mohammed Nur, who strongly opposed the government decision.

Although the details of causalities are not yet fully known, ELS is concerned by the fact that brute force, including live ammunition, was used to suppress the protest, which was nothing more than a peaceful demonstration against a drastic government measure affecting the lives of thousands of people. In our view, the protest signifies one fundamental reality. In today’s Eritrea, citizens have no choice of whatsoever nature in pursuing their individual and group aspirations, life plans, goals, and purposes. Eritreans do not also have access to independent and impartial institutions, including courts of law that can safeguard their fundamental rights and freedoms in the event these essential entitlements are wantonly violated by government authorities.

History dictates that no population can be ruled forever under the yoke of unbearable authoritarianism. There is an urgent need in Eritrea for a full return to a system of governance based on constitutional order, the requirements of democratic accountability, and respect for the rule of law, including the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of the Eritrean people. ELS would like to take this occasion to make a call on the international community and those who can play a role by pushing for a full return to a democratic system of governance in Eritrea.

Meanwhile, the following reminder is also important for all peace-loving and justice-seeking Eritreans. We shall stay the course and remain vigilant against all sorts of divisive and cheap political machinations orchestrated by the authoritarian regime in Eritrea, its brazen apologists and messengers. It is always important to remember that the regime will make continuous recourse to methods that promote its narrow political agenda as well as frustrate the momentum ushered by the protest of 31 October.

Eritrean Law Society
Executive Committee
November 2, 2017

Burundi: Statement of the CNARED-GIRITEKA Related to the Forced Disapparance of the Four Leaders of the Burundi Popular Forces (FPB) – (01.11.2017)

Burundi: Les Familles des Victimes et leurs Avocats Maintiennent leur Confiance dans La Justice Internationale (27.10.2017)

Burundi: “Concerne: Requete d’action urgente face a des risques d’execution extrajudiciaire, de torture ou de disparition forcee de quatre citoyens burundais arretes sur le sol tanzanien en date du 21 octobre 2017 (24.10.2017)

Burundi: EU renews sanctions until 31 October 2018 (23.10.2017)

These measures consist of a travel ban and asset freeze against four persons whose activities are deemed to be undermining democratic governance.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, October 23, 2017 – On 23 October 2017, the Council renewed the EU restrictive measures against Burundi for another year until 31 October 2018. These measures consist of a travel ban and asset freeze against four persons whose activities are deemed to be undermining democratic governance and obstructing the search for a peaceful political solution in Burundi. These activities include acts of violence, repression or incitement to violence and acts which constitute serious human rights violations.

The EU remains profoundly concerned by information on continuing extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, forced disappearances, torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and gender-based violence, including sexual violence committed in Burundi since April 2015. The EU has repeatedly and continuously called on all parties to refrain from and to firmly condemn any acts of violence and to end the cycle of impunity of perpetrators. The respect for the rule of law, built on  effective, accountable and inclusive institutions is essential to achieving a lasting political solution to the crisis.

The Council considered that the absence of progress in the situation in Burundi justified the renewal of the sanctions for another year.

The names of the persons concerned and the reasons for listing them are included in the annex to the decision of 1 October 2015 published in the Official Journal.

Burundi: CNARED-GIRITEKA – “Communique de Presse” (16.10.2017)

Burundi – Conseil des droits de l’Homme a Geneve – Resolutions – La position du collectif des avocats des parties civil “Justice for Burundi” (04.10.2017)

Burundi: CNARED-GIRITEKA Lettre au Secrétaire Général des Nations Unies António Guterres (18.09.2017)

Burundi: OLUCOME Lettre du President Museveni & H.E. Benjamin Mpaka – “Objet: Urgence de reprendre le dialogue Inter Burundais afin d’arrete la crise economique et ses consequence qui present sur les citoyens Burundais” (14.09.2017)

CNARED-GIRITEKA: Declaration Relative aux Massacres des Refugies Burundais en RDC (16.09.2017)