Trust Africa

Strengthening Pan-Africa Citizens
Voices for Security Sector Accountability

(SPaCVOSSA)

Project Background

The COVID- 19 pandemic raise a lot of challenges that affected different aspects of citizens lives across the globe including the African continent. At least forty-two (42) African Government implemented partial or full lock-down measures and movement restrictions to contain the spread of the disease following recommendations by local health experts and the World Health Organization (WHO). In Nigeria, the approach was supported and reinforced by a high-level securitization by the Nigerian Security forces. Statistics by the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), shows that between March 30th and April 13th, 2020, being the first phase of the lock-down, law enforcement agents had killed 18 persons (more than the 12 the corona virus had done at the time).
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The report also showed that a total of 105 complaint bordering on violations of citizens fundamental right, illegal arrest and detentions among others were received from 24 out of the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT). The report also showed that complaints of human rights violation were received, documented and classified as follows; extra judicial killings, violation of right to freedom of movement, unlawful arrests, and detention, seizure/confiscation of properties, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), discrimination, torture, in-humane and degrading treatment, and extortion. The development led to accusations that the measures were used by government and security forces to muzzle and trample on the rights of citizens. To put the things in perspective and reassure citizens, the African Centre for Leadership Strategy & Development (CENTRE LSD) with support from Trust Africa under its Governance Programme initiated this project, geared towards Strengthening Pan-African Citizens Voices for Security Sector Accountability (SPaCVOSSA). The project will be carried out in four (4) countries in four (4) Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

Project Goal

The overarching goal of the project is to strengthen the voices of
African Citizens in Security Sector Accountability during and post COVID-19

Project Objectives

To provide platform for interaction amongst stakeholders on the impact of COVID-19 and its security regime on citizens

To research into the impact of security measures in responding to the issues of COVID-19 in Nigeria

To collaborate with the National Assembly to come up with a bill on security regulations during pandemic

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