Press Release
Ahmed Mefreh, the Executive Director of the Committee for Justice (CFJ), participated in a side event on the margins of the 81st regular session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The event, organized by CFJ in collaboration with (ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, the International Centre for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), Defend Defenders, and ARTICLE 19), was held in Banjul, Gambia, on October 22, 2024.
Under the theme “The Impact of Countering Violent Extremism and Anti-Terrorism Measures on Civic Space in Africa,” the event focused on discussing the profound effects of these measures on human rights and civil liberties across the African continent.
In his address, Mefreh highlighted the challenges facing North African countries due to terrorism and violent extremism, noting that while these countries share the burden of combating these threats, government responses are often disproportionate and result in serious human rights violations.
– The situation in Egypt:
The Executive Director of CFJ discussed the situation in Egypt, pointing out that Egyptian authorities heavily rely on strict security measures to combat extremist groups like ISIS in North Sinai.
Mefreh explained that these military measures are harsh, with innocent civilians often targeted under the pretense of fighting terrorism. He noted that arbitrary arrests are common, with individuals detained without formal charges, while many civilians face home demolitions and the repression of their communities. He added that these violations extend beyond Egyptian borders, as Egyptian authorities use anti-terrorism laws to target dissidents and human rights defenders living abroad by revoking passports or pressuring foreign governments to deport them.
– The situation in Libya:
Concerning Libya, Mefreh described the situation as “chaotic” following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, highlighting that the collapse of central authority led to a security vacuum exploited by militias and extremist groups.
Mefreh stated that these groups operate under the guise of counter-terrorism while committing human rights violations, such as arbitrary detention and torture, with no legal accountability. He emphasized that the weakness of Libya’s current government makes it challenging to address these abuses or enforce the rule of law.
– The situation in Tunisia:
In Tunisia, Mefreh pointed to the 2015 terrorist attacks in Tunis and Sousse, which prompted the Tunisian authorities to significantly increase security measures, including enhanced surveillance and increased arrests in areas deemed security threats.
However, he added that while these measures aim to protect the country from terrorism, they have also restricted civil liberties, including freedoms of expression and assembly. He noted that activists and human rights defenders face arbitrary detention, citing the case of human rights activist Chaima Issa, who was detained on terrorism-related charges.
– The situation in Algeria:
The Executive Director of CFJ also discussed the situation in Algeria, noting that Algerian authorities use anti-terrorism laws not only to address security threats but also to suppress political opposition.
Mefreh explained that these laws, which have been in place since the civil war in the 1990s, are still used to restrict political and civil freedoms, including banning protests and arresting political activists such as Karim Tabbou, a leader of the “Hirak” movement who was detained on terrorism-related charges simply for advocating peaceful political reforms.
– The situation in Morocco:
Regarding Morocco, Mefreh stated that Moroccan authorities similarly use national security and anti-terrorism laws to target activists in sensitive regions, such as Western Sahara, portraying political activists and human rights defenders as security threats.
Mefreh noted that Nasser Zefzafi, a leader of protests in the Rif region, was arrested and sentenced on terrorism-related charges for advocating against corruption and for political freedom.
– The need for a balance between national security and human rights:
In concluding his address, Ahmed Mefreh, the Executive Director of CFJ, emphasized the need to review these measures and strike a balance between national security and human rights protection.
Mefreh stressed that NGOs and human rights defenders in North Africa need to adopt multifaceted strategies to counter the misuse of anti-terrorism laws, suggesting that organizations should enhance regional cooperation by forming alliances with other groups in the area and file complaints before international bodies like the United Nations or the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He added that reforming local anti-terrorism laws to align with international human rights standards, alongside local and international awareness campaigns, could help increase pressure on governments to reduce violations and implement necessary reforms.