Opinion

Opinion

West and Central Africa urged by Amnesty Int’l to combat corruption.

West and Central Africa urged by Amnesty Int’l to combat corruption.

On Tuesday, Amnesty International urged governments in West and Central Africa to combat corruption and cease "persecuting" those who speak out in support of human rights. The group condemned the "arrests," "harassment," "detention," and "even death" of human rights advocates battling corruption in the 19 countries of West and Central Africa in a report released in honor of Africa Anti-Corruption Day. These individuals are essential to the battle against corruption and, by extension, the defense of fundamental rights. Yet when they come forward with the truth, they become the focus of assaults, intimidation, harassment, and persecution, according to Agnès Callamard,…
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Rwanda: What is the truth behind John Ntwali’s death?

Rwanda: What is the truth behind John Ntwali’s death?

The death in January of Rwandan journalist John Ntwali following an accident has led to vociferous claims and counter claims, that he was in fact a victim of the government’s ‘repressive’ measures. But what is the truth behind these claims, loudly broadcast by the foreign media, asks Vincent Gasana? Journalists are often on the receiving end of harsh criticism, even condemnation. On occasion, such censure is amply deserved, but a line is drawn at lying – and news organizations will part company with an employee who deliberately engages in falsehoods. Unless that it is, the story is about Rwanda, then anything…
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