Africa-Press – Gambia. The head of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Idrissa Sou, has called on the Gambian government to ensure tolerance for freedom of expression and respect for citizens’ fundamental right to dissent.
In a press conference held on the sidelines of the 87th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, Sou emphasized that all member states of the African Union are obligated to adhere to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms as legally protected rights, not merely privileges granted by authorities.
He explained that governments are required to protect, respect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly and expression, particularly concerning public policy issues and citizens’ grievances.
In response to questions about the repeated arrests of members of the “Gambians Against Stolen Properties” movement, Sou urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly while allowing citizens to express their discontent within the law.
The African human rights advocate affirmed that “it is the responsibility of every government that has signed this charter to allow its citizens to express their opposition in all forms, provided that it does not undermine peaceful coexistence. Government authorities and law enforcement agencies are legally obligated to protect, respect, and facilitate individuals’ rights to peaceful assembly and express their opposition or opinions, including regarding public policy issues or grievances.”
Sou encouraged citizens to submit their human rights complaints directly to the commission during its sessions, stressing that the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights can only operate effectively if it is informed of violations.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting human rights in all member states, adding that official statements will be issued following the Banjul session regarding key human rights issues on the African continent.
