Amnesty International To Blinken: Compel Tinubu To Investigate Killing of Defenceless Civilians By Military

Renowned global human rights organization on Saturday called on the visiting United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken to demand for investigation of the killing of defenceless civilians by Nigerian military particularly during airstrikes while fighting armed militias and bandits.

The organization said he should call on President Bola Tinubu to do more than issue statements and actually ensure justice and accountability for civilians harmed by armed groups. 

Arise News reports that the Spokesperson of US Department, Matthew Miller, had in a statement said Blinken would travel to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola between January 21 and 26, 2024.

AI in a joint statement by its Africa Advocacy Director (United States), Kate Hixon and Executive Director (Nigeria), Isa Sanusi, said human rights issues should top the agenda of Blinken during his visit to Nigeria.

While calling on Tinubu to honour the right to freedom of expression, AI said Secretary Blinken must also press for the release of Mubarak Bala, Yahaya Aminu-Sharif, and Ismaila Sani Isah, currently in jail for blasphemy accusations, while charges related to blasphemy against Rhoda Jatau must also be dropped unconditionally.

Hixon said, “Secretary Blinken’s trip to Nigeria is a great opportunity for US engagement with the new Tinubu administration, but will only be successful if human rights are front and center. The Nigerian military has repeatedly harmed civilians with little accountability, particularly during airstrikes while fighting armed militias. Secretary Blinken must press for investigations and accountability for all civilian deaths caused by the military. 

“As we saw during the recent Christmas Eve attack in Plateau State, the Tinubu government is failing on its promise to protect civilians. Secretary Blinken must urge President Tinubu to do more than issue statements and actually ensure justice and accountability for civilians harmed by armed groups. The Nigerian government must do this without further harming civilians in its response.”

Sanusi said, “In Nigeria, it is imperative that Secretary Blinken raise the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders and journalists, such as Omoyele Sowore, who is facing flawed charges solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression. As Amnesty Nigeria outlines in its human rights agenda for the Tinubu administration, it must honour the right to freedom of expression. Secretary Blinken must also press for the release of Mubarak Bala, Yahaya Aminu-Sharif, and Ismaila Sani Isah, currently in jail for blasphemy accusations. Charges related to blasphemy against Rhoda Jatau must also be dropped unconditionally.

“Secretary Blinken must also press for the immediate release of the remaining #EndSARS protestors who continue to be detained years after their protests without due process or even a trial. If the Tinubu administration is to remain committed to accountability, it must release these remaining protestors. 

“In addition, Secretary Blinken must press for the full implementation of the findings of the investigation of the killings of peaceful #EndSARS protesters by the military and police. All atrocities committed by the police before and after the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) must be investigated. Victims must also receive compensation, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

According to Miller, throughout the trip, the Secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated its partnership with Africa since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food, and health security. 

Another agenda is the US future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and in the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace. 

Miller said, “Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law. He will reaffirm U.S commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States reaffirms its sustained commitment to high-level U.S engagement with Africa.”

Friday Olokor, Abuja

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