ISHR
On 14 October 2026, Observatoire pour la protection des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (OMCT, FIDH), and Reporters without borders, organised a side event on ‘Shrinking of civic space in the Sahel: what are the consequences for journalists and civil society’ during the 89th session of the ACHPR. The event was co-sponsored by ISHR, REPRODES, Amnesty International, KISAL, FIACAT, ROADDH, Tournons la page, African Defenders - DefendDefenders
‘What happens to human rights when those who defend them are subjected to attacks?Commissioner Salma Sassi, Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa and country rapporteur of Niger
This interrogation laid the foundation of the discussion. Indeed, journalists play a key role in the preservation of rule of law, democracy and the respect of rights. Through their work, they facilitate the enjoyment of the right to access information which is essential for the enjoyment of other rights.
However, in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and increasingly in Guinea, attacks are directed to journalists. In fact, under the scope of the fight against terrorism, the regulation of cybersecurity and cybercriminality, preservation of public order and national interests, States are repressing the work of numerous journalists subjecting them to surveillance, intimidations, online harassment, abductions, enforced disappearance, transnational repressions, arbitrary detention, and imprisonment.
Giving concrete examples such as Moussa Kaka and Moussa Tchangari from Niger, Youssouf Sissoko from Mali, and several others of the region, the panellists expressed their concerns for the preservation of human rights in such contexts. Furthermore, the presentation of FIDH revealed that these attacks have also been expanded to lawyers that try to defend such cases, indicating that no one seems to be spared in the Sahel.
In response to this situation, which demotivates human rights defenders on the ground and undermines the ability of civil society to document cases, the panellists called on:
1- the African Commission:
2- the member States:
Overall, the panelists agreed on the fact that States should not choose between the respect of human rights and fundamental freedom and the maintenance of security and insisted on the fact that freedom of press should not be put on hold in times of crisis.
Zambia must ensure that human rights defenders can speak out, organise and work freely. In a joint submission to the African Commission, ISHR, SACCORD and ZNHRD highlight restrictive legislations and call for progress towards the adoption of the law for the promotion and protection of the rights of defenders.
At the NGO Forum ahead of the 89th session of the African Commission, a high-level panel discussion tackled the growing issue of transnational repression in Africa.
Ahead of the 89th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the NGO Forum convened a panel on cross-border issues affecting human rights defenders in Central Africa and presented a new publication.
