Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju, has castigated government over the recent arrest of members of opposition party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), in neighboring Kenya. 

Thirty-six FDC leaders were last Tuesday arrested in Kisumu, Kenya and have since been charged with terrorism in Ugandan courts and remanded to Luzira prison. 

Ssemujju questioned the legality of the arrest of Ugandans in Kenya during plenary sitting on Thursday 01 August 2024. 

“One of the 36 kidnapped is actually a registered refugee in Kenya, there was no extradition order, they were attending a leadership training,” he said adding that “Some of them were brutalised during the kidnapping. We want to ask government to tell us, under which arrangement did they go to Kenya to kidnap FDC leaders.”  

Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka refuted claims of kidnap, saying that the suspects were lawfully arrested and have been charged before the Ugandan courts of law. 

“If there are any issues of them being beaten [or] wrongly arrested, they can be raised in court at the appropriate time, and we have laws to deal with such. If in fact a person was tortured at the time of their arrest, that case will be dismissed. That is a good defense that you can put before the court,” he added.  

Ssemujju however contended that his issue was government’s disregard of bilateral relations, questioning the legal basis upon which Ugandan security operatives carried out the arrest in another country. 

“I have not complained that they were charged, I am talking about bilateral matters that you can walk into Kenya and kidnap people. Under what arrangement did you go to a Catholic church in Kenya and kidnap people and bring them without necessary legal documents. That is not a matter of court,” he said. 

Kiryowa Kiwanuka in his response said, “Even the manner in which people are collected, if at all from a neighboring country or another country is prescribed by law and we are saying that these people were charged, they are properly before court and if you think the procedure was not done properly, then you can actually be a good witness to support their release.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Former high-ranking officials sentenced to long prison terms for crimes against humanity. The trial of the 28 September 2009 massacre has just ended with a historic verdict welcomed by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), its member organisation in Guinea, the Organisation guinéenne de défense des droits de l’Homme et du citoyen (OGDH), and their partner the Association des victimes, parents et amis du 28 septembre 2009 (AVIPA) – the civil parties in the trial; The charges against former Guinean president Moussa Dadis Camara and six high-ranking officers were reclassified as crimes against humanity and they were sentenced to heavy prison terms, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment; The victims are obtaining compensation, medical support and care; This verdict demonstrates that a positive complementarity between the International Criminal Court and a national jurisdiction is possible when the political will of a State provides the necessary resources to national justice.

This is the end of a historic trial, whose verdict was read out for almost four hours this afternoon and that will be a landmark for international criminal justice and the fight against impunity. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), its member organisation in Guinea, the Organisation guinéenne de défense des droits de l’Homme et du citoyen (OGDH), and their partner, the Association des victimes, parents et amis du 28 septembre 2009 (AVIPA) welcome this emblematic verdict. The three NGOs were civil parties in the trial and accompanied more than 730 victims in their quest for justice.

“This verdict is a victory for all the men and women who have been fighting for 15 years to see justice done“, said Drissa Traore, lawyer and Secretary General of FIDH. “We can be satisfied with the decision, which we consider to be in accordance with the law, despite the ongoing pain of the victims. We salute their courage and determination during the long months of hearings. We hope that this verdict will help to alleviate the suffering and mourning in Guinea.“

On 28 September 2009 and in the days that followed, members of the Guinean defence and security forces, including members of the presidential guard, orchestrated a massacre in and around Conakry’s stadium. Among the peaceful demonstrators massed in the stadium, at least 156 people were killed and dozens are missing. More than a hundred women were victims of rape or other forms of sexual violence, including genital mutilation and sexual slavery.

Twelve defendants, including Moussa Dadis Camara, the former Guinean president at the time of the events, were charged with murder, assassination, rape, intentional assault and battery, torture, kidnapping and sexual violence. In the case of Moussa Dadis Camara and six high-ranking officers, the court reclassified the charges as crimes against humanity. They were sentenced to heavy prison terms ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

“This verdict is a victory for all human rights defenders, and those who demand justice. This court decision is a reminder to all leaders and military and police forces around the world that the time for justice is long, but that the fight against impunity will be conducted at all levels, in national, regional, local and international courts“, said Martin Pradel, victims’ lawyer and member of the FIDH Judicial Action Group.

A trial under pressure

There were numerous incidents throughout the trial, which began in 2022, including spectacular escapes by some of the accused, break-ins at civil party organisations, and pressure and threats against civil society and the court. The absence of Claude Pivi, the former Minister in charge of Presidential Security, who has been on the run since 4 November 2023, terrified many of the victims, who preferred not to go to the courthouse and watch the trial live on television.

However, FIDH, OGDH, and AVIPA believe that Guinean justice has managed to function in this difficult context and welcome the holding of this unprecedented trial – 22 months of hearings – during which the victims’ voices were heard. This lengthy legal process has helped to uncover the truth and mobilise international public opinion in favour of justice for serious human rights violations.

“This trial will mark a decisive turning point in the history of Guinea: it will break the cycle of impunity for the serious human rights violations that have been committed regularly since 1958 by the defence and security forces and senior politicians“, said DS Bah, vice-president of OGDH and coordinating lawyer for the civil parties’ lawyers’ collective. “Despite the pressure, the Guinean judiciary has brought this trial to a successful conclusion. It is an example that should inspire people beyond the country’s borders and encourage victims to never give up, wherever they are in the world.”

“Today marks the culmination of a 15-year battle. This date will always be engraved in our memories. Personally, i lost my son that day. I shared the sadness of all the victims and we encountered many difficulties“, recalls Asmaou Diallo, President of AVIPA. “Our fight will not stop here. We will continue so that every victim gets compensation and this never happens again in Guinea.“

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH).

In a rousing address today at the Ghana Report Summit on “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the critical need to combat the spread of false information in the democratic process.

Held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the summit brought together key stakeholders to address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the general elections.

President Akufo-Addo began by highlighting Ghana’s exemplary democratic journey, marked by eight successful general elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1993. The peaceful transitions of power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have cemented Ghana’s status as a stable democracy. However, he warned that misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to these democratic gains.

“Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information spread unintentionally, while disinformation involves the deliberate dissemination of false information to deceive,” explained President Akufo-Addo. “These false narratives can distort public perception, undermine trust in our institutions, and even incite violence.”

The digital age, with its rapid information dissemination capabilities, has amplified the challenge. Social media platforms, though beneficial in many ways, have become breeding grounds for the spread of false information. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that false information could skew public perception of candidates and political parties, leading to uninformed decision-making at the polls. Moreover, disinformation campaigns often exploit societal divisions, amplifying existing tensions and posing risks to social cohesion.

Reflecting on his experiences, President Akufo-Addo recounted the malicious stories that targeted him during the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections. From baseless allegations of drug trafficking to fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions, he has been a victim of numerous false reports. These experiences underscore the urgent need to discern truth from falsehood and to remain vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

To address these challenges, President Akufo-Addo outlined several measures. The government is strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information. Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.

Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns. The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.

The President’s address at the Ghana Report Summit was a clarion call to action. As Ghana approaches the 2024 General Elections, the fight against misinformation and disinformation is paramount. By working together, Ghana can ensure that its elections are a true reflection of the will of the people, preserving the nation’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.

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

In a compelling address today at the Ghana Report Summit, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shed light on the fabricated narratives that have been used to undermine his political career, focusing on the “Agyapadie” document, which first surfaced in the run-up to the 2020 elecrions.

The Summit, themed “Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation – Election 2024,” highlighted the dangers of false information in the democratic process.

The Agyapadie document alleges a grand scheme by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to annex state assets. According to President Akufo-Addo, this fabricated document has been circulated by opposition operatives as evidence of the NPP’s supposed plans.

“This baseless accusation is yet another example of the malicious tactics used to undermine my credibility and integrity,” the President stated.

President Akufo-Addo’s political career has been fraught with similar false accusations, dating back to the 2008 presidential election. During that campaign, baseless allegations of drug trafficking were spread to tarnish his image. Rumors about his health were also circulated to cast doubt on his ability to serve as President. In a particularly egregious lie, opponents accused then-President John Kufuor of selling all of Ghana’s gold reserves, a claim that was patently false.

The 2012 election cycle saw a continuation of these tactics, with false reports of Akufo-Addo’s alleged arrest in London for drug possession making headlines. Fabricated quotes designed to stir ethnic tensions were also disseminated, aiming to divide the electorate. In 2016, opponents stooped to a new low, alleging that Akufo-Addo had killed his late wife, a claim that was not only false but deeply offensive.

As the 2024 General Elections approach, the Agyapadie document is the latest in a series of lies aimed at discrediting President Akufo-Addo and his party. This fictitious narrative, like the ones before it, highlights the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and remaining vigilant against the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that combating misinformation and disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to hold individuals and organizations accountable for spreading false information is crucial. Collaborations with technology companies are essential to develop mechanisms for monitoring and curbing the spread of false information on digital platforms.

Public awareness campaigns are also vital. Educating citizens about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation and promoting media literacy can empower voters to make informed decisions. Supporting fact-checking organizations to verify information and debunk false claims is another important strategy.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for all political actors to commit to truthfulness and transparency in their campaigns. The spread of false information for political gain undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust. Political parties and candidates must engage in constructive dialogue, presenting their ideas and policies to the electorate in a truthful and respectful manner.

Civil society organizations play an invaluable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and media literacy. Their advocacy efforts are essential in curbing misinformation and disinformation. The public also has a crucial role to play by verifying information before sharing it and relying on reputable news sources.

The Agyapadie scandal serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to undermine political opponents. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, it is imperative to address these challenges head-on. By working together – government, media, civil society, and the public – Ghana can create an environment where truth prevails, and its democracy thrives.

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