AFRICA - The anti-terrorism laws cause concern for the respect of human rights and democracy

Friday, 12 December 2014

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Acts of terrorism committed by organizations such as Boko Haram (in Nigeria and Cameroon) and Al Shabaab (in Somalia, Kenya and Uganda) are pushing some African states to adopt specific anti-terrorism laws, which are, however, arousing strong concern by the political opposition, civil society representatives and human rights activists, according to information gathered by Agenzia Fides. This is the case of Kenya and Cameroon, where two laws are being discussed that, according to some, may threaten the freedom of press and expression.
In Kenya, the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 provides inter alia for the arrest for three years and/or a heavy fine for those who "without the authorization by the National Police disseminate information that compromise investigations or security operations in relation to acts of terrorism". The bill also provides strong reinforcement of wiretaps by the police. The opposition, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has expressed his opposition accusing President Uhuru Kenyatta to want to restrict the fundamental freedoms of citizens.
In Cameroon, the proposal of anti-terrorism law presented by the government to more effectively fight against the incursions of Nigerian Boko Haram terrorists is seen by the opposition as an instrument aimed to prevent social unrest especially, like the one at the end of October in Burkina Faso which led to the destitution of President Blaise Compaore, who had been in power since 1987. The opposition states in particular that the definition given by the bill of "act of terrorism" is too vague. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2014)


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