The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has as Ghana approaches its presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2024, reiterated his commitment to enforcing the laws on vigilantism to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.

Speaking at the presentation of credentials to nine newly appointed diplomats at the Jubilee House, the President emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the election period.

“Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy on the African continent, and it is our collective duty to safeguard this reputation,” President Akufo-Addo declared. “Anyone who seeks to subvert the free will of the people will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

The President issued a stern warning against vigilantism, affirming that the government is determined to strictly enforce the law.

“Any individual or group found culpable and falling foul of the law will be made to face its full rigours. Vigilantism has no place in our democratic space, and we must all work together to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period,” he stated.

The issue of vigilantism has been a persistent challenge in Ghanaian politics, with various incidents of violence and intimidation associated with political activities.

The President’s strong stance against such activities underscores his commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the true will of the people. President Akufo-Addo called on all political parties and candidates to respect the democratic process and the will of the Ghanaian people. He urged them to conduct their campaigns peacefully and to avoid any actions that could undermine the integrity of the elections.

“No candidate or political party is superior to the will of the Ghanaian people,” the President asserted. “Government is determined to enforce strictly the law on vigilantism. Any individual or group found culpable and falling foul of the law will be made to face its full rigours.”

The President’s commitment to enforcing the laws on vigilantism comes amid heightened political activities and preparations for the December elections. The government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has put in place measures to ensure that the election period is peaceful and that any acts of violence or intimidation are swiftly addressed.

“As we look ahead to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in December this year, I want to reiterate my unwavering determination to ensuring that these elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, and credible,” President Akufo-Addo emphasized.

The President also highlighted the role of the newly appointed diplomats in promoting Ghana’s image as a stable and democratic country. He urged them to uphold the values of democracy and to engage with their host nations in fostering strong bilateral relationships that support Ghana’s democratic aspirations.

“Your primary responsibility is to promote the image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country,” the President told the new envoys. “This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana.”

The government’s commitment to enforcing the laws on vigilantism and ensuring peaceful elections is crucial for maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in Africa. The upcoming elections are expected to be closely watched both locally and internationally, and the President’s assurance of a credible electoral process is a significant step towards preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.

As the election date approaches, the government’s focus on upholding the rule of law and preventing any acts of vigilantism will be critical in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election period. The President’s strong stance against vigilantism and his call for political parties to respect the democratic process reflect Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a stable and democratic society.

The enforcement of vigilantism laws and the government’s efforts to ensure peaceful elections are vital for Ghana’s continued democratic progress. The nation’s ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections will not only strengthen its democratic institutions but also enhance its international standing as a model of democracy in Africa.

In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo’s address at the presentation of credentials to the new diplomats highlights the importance of enforcing vigilantism laws and ensuring credible elections. The government’s determination to uphold democratic principles and maintain peace and order during the election period is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to its democratic values and its reputation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

IRC’s 2024 Emergency Watchlist identified Sudan as the humanitarian crisis most at risk of deteriorating this year. In response to the lack of attention on the crisis, the IRC has released a mid-year Crisis Alert on Sudan. The new report illustrates the trajectory of a country in freefall. Without a shift in the international approach from inertia to action, Sudan risks being torn apart by the conflict, with dire implications for millions of civilians, and regional security. Sudan is already the world’s worst displacement crisis and is rapidly becoming the world’s worst hunger crisis as well.

The alert highlights how military decision makers, regional powers, and the international community have all failed the people of Sudan, resulting in an ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe that has left more than half the population – nearly 25 million people – in need of humanitarian aid. It analyses why the conflict has continued to escalate and spread, outlines how severe constraints on humanitarian access contribute to a response that is failing to meet needs, and provides recommendations to drive an urgently needed diplomatic and humanitarian course correction. The report pushes for tilting of scales towards peace, not more war, and an overall reset of the humanitarian response.

Civilians in Sudan are already facing  threats to their lives and now the risk of famine is looming. Warring parties continue to block access for data collection meaning famine may never be officially declared. However, people are already dying from hunger and without an immediate halt in fighting and scale-up of humanitarian assistance, the  worst levels of food insecurity (IPC5) are expected in many parts of the country over the coming months. 

Conservative estimates say that at least 15,500 people have already died from the conflict, while some estimates are as high as 150,000, and counting. Over 222,000 children are predicted to die of starvation in the coming months if no quick action is taken. Confirmed deaths in mass killings are much lower than the fatality estimates from the – US described – genocide in 2003-2005. However more people have been displaced, which suggests similar levels of violence. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 10 million people are internally displaced within Sudan, while at least another 2 million have fled to neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

On June 13, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate halt to the fighting and de-escalation in and around El Fasher, and for enhanced measures to protect civilians and healthcare from attack. Concerted diplomatic efforts are now needed to ensure warring parties implement these steps. 

Eatizaz Yousif, IRC Country Director for Sudan, said,

“After more than a year of war, the people of Sudan—my people—are experiencing suffering on a massive scale. Millions of lives have been turned upside down, children’s education has all but stopped, basic services like hospitals and banks have ceased to function in many parts of the country, and families are having to make impossible choices to feed their children. The world has chosen to ignore the suffering in Sudan for too long, many civilians have been killed and numerous towns have been destroyed, including the capital Khartoum There has been no adequate interventions to halt the conflict.

The already catastrophic humanitarian situation demands renewed efforts to bring an end to the fighting and to ensure humanitarians can do their jobs. Across Sudan, millions of people are denied the assistance they need due to fighting and delays and barriers to aid delivery, for which warring parties are responsible. 

As the civil war in Sudan escalates and the humanitarian disaster deepens, it continues to spill over into neighbouring countries – like Chad and South Sudan that are already facing their own challenges. Urgent support is also needed to ensure those that have fled the country, and the communities that host them, receive the support they need until they can return home.

The IRC’s mid-year alert sets out clear recommendations for action that, if implemented, would tilt the scales towards peace and drive much needed reforms to the way aid is supported, implemented and funded. We know what needs to change, so there are no excuses for inaction.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) unequivocally condemns the recent wave of abductions of citizens suspected of involvement in the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests.

These abductions of at least 12 people, which have occurred over the last five days and intensified last night, are a gross violation of human rights and amount to arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearance as prohibited under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Enforced disappearance, as defined by Article 29 of the Constitution, involves the arrest, detention, or abduction of an individual by state agents or persons acting with state authorization, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person’s fate or whereabouts.

These actions undermine the rule of law and instil fear and uncertainty among the populace. We urge the government to immediately cease these unlawful practices and release all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained.

We strongly call on President William Samoei Ruto to uphold the oath he took during his swearing-in ceremony: “I, William Samoei Ruto, in full realization of the high calling I assume as President of Kenya, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Kenya, that I will obey, preserve, and protect this Constitution of Kenya.”

It is imperative that the government honours its promise to protect the rights of its citizens and ensures that such violations are not repeated. PRWG-K reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice and accountability.

We stand ready to support the victims of these abductions and their families through legal assistance, medical care, and psychological support.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and document any further human rights abuses. We remind the government that the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to liberty and security and prohibits any form of arbitrary arrest and detention. It is the duty of the state to protect these rights and ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.