Commonwealth Observer Group Releases Final Report on Nigeria’s 2023 Elections
The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has officially unveiled its final report on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The report, now in the hands of the Nigerian government, meticulously outlines the group’s findings, shedding light on key areas for potential enhancement within the electoral process.
Led by former South African President HE Thabo Mbeki, the independent and diverse COG team, deployed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, commenced its mission in Abuja on February 18, 2023. Throughout their tenure, the team received steadfast support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Highlighting Nigeria’s robust political landscape and the commendable role played by its civil society, the report lauded the active engagement of over 4,500 citizen observers in parallel vote tabulation and data clerking initiatives organized by Yiaga Africa and other civil society organizations. Additionally, the report acknowledged the significant contribution of Nigeria’s youth within civil society groups.
However, the report did not shy away from addressing significant deficiencies that marred the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of the elections. Key among these were the malfunctions of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal on and after election day.
While acknowledging the strides made with the introduction of the new Electoral Act 2022, the report underscored the necessity for further institutional and legal reforms, particularly in areas such as campaign finance, electoral offenses, and the inclusion of marginalized demographics.
Furthermore, the COG recommended stringent adherence to professional codes of ethics by state-owned and private media houses, advocating for impartial and equitable coverage for all political entities. It emphasized the urgency of promptly and impartially penalizing media-related violations.
Echoing concerns raised in the 2019 report, the COG reiterated the imperative need to address the glaring lack of women’s political representation. It urged the National Assembly to revisit bills concerning seat quotas and recommended the adoption of temporary special measures outlined in the National Gender Policy.
In her remarks, KC. Patricia Scotland the Commonwealth Secretary-General acknowledged improvements in the electoral process while advocating for further reforms. She encouraged Nigeria to establish indigenous mechanisms to implement COG recommendations and offered support from the Secretariat where necessary.
“I encourage Nigeria to establish its home-grown mechanisms, to review and take forward recommendations made by this COG and, where possible, reach out to the Secretariat for support in the implementation of some these recommendations,” she highlighted.
The Secretary-General also expressed gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for extending the invitation to observe the 2023 elections.
Crafted in-country and finalized in the weeks following their departure from Nigeria, the COG’s report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the entire electoral process, from pre-election preparations to post-poll assessments, building upon the preliminary findings issued shortly after the elections.
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Commonwealth Observer Group Releases Final Report on Nigeria’s 2023 Elections
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum