By Sisi Sigalo
The report reviews human rights practices across more than 100 countries, including those in Africa. The Southern Africa section was unveiled in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA).
HRW’s findings highlight the growing trend of authoritarianism in the region, with authorities employing heavy-handed tactics to stifle opposition. Activists and journalists faced harassment, while laws that violated human rights were introduced. The justice system was also manipulated to target political opponents, and protests were frequently met with excessive force.
The report specifically notes the ongoing crisis in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, and the political tensions in Angola. In Mozambique, post-election protests turned deadly in October 2024, with security forces using violent methods against unarmed civilians.
Zenaida Machado, Senior Researcher for Angola and Mozambique, shared that many journalists and activists were detained and threatened for simply performing their duties during the elections.
Angola and Mozambique have also been criticised for limiting citizens' right to protest, with security forces often resorting to brutal tactics. In Angola, the government has made several attempts to stifle opposition, including imposing restrictions on protest activities.
In SA, issues such as violence against women and children and rising anti-migrant sentiments were also highlighted. Ahead of elections, xenophobic rhetoric targeted foreign nationals, both documented and undocumented. Furthermore, reports emerged of unlawful arrests of asylum seekers and refugees, particularly between November 2023 and December 2024.
Alan Ngari, HRW’s Africa Advocacy Director, pointed out that while the African Union (AU) reaffirmed its commitment to human rights in 2024, its reliance on sub-regional bodies and limited responses to armed conflicts have hindered its effectiveness in addressing rights abuses.
Despite these challenges, HRW acknowledged positive developments, including the AU's efforts on migration and the recent adoption of protocols to combat statelessness and protect the rights of older persons.
--ChannelAfrica--
