Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is central to South Africa’s ecological and economic future. Yet we are operating in a constrained fiscal climate. A R2.5 billion reduction over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework compels us to rethink how we work, spend, and deliver.

My vision is clear: to transform the Department into a beacon of fiscal discipline and environmental impact, in line with the Government of National Unity’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and building a capable, ethical state. This is not austerity for its own sake. It is about ensuring that every rand delivers maximum value for our people and our planet.

Fiscal responsibility starts with accountability. That is why I have directed that all outreach programmes, department projects, and initiatives must have my prior approval, backed by detailed cost breakdowns and alignment with strategic priorities. This is stewardship, not micromanagement. It ensures compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and with my Performance Agreement with the President.

We are cutting unnecessary costs. Large physical events that consume millions will be replaced, where appropriate, with more effective and affordable online consultations, as was successfully done during the COVID-19 pandemic. This allows us to broaden participation while safeguarding limited resources.

We are also reprioritising. Instead of funding campaigns without measurable impact, we are focusing on high-value environmental initiatives, like the upgrading and securing of South Africa’s twelve proclaimed fishing harbours and strengthening our front-line support for rangers and Fishing Control Officers.

New bunkering regulations signed this year will protect one of our most endangered species, the African Penguin, and secure eco-tourism worth billions to our economy. These decisions have already received international recognition, including praise from the OECD’s 2025 Economic Survey for driving real emissions reductions.

This is a new era for the DFFE. Weak oversight, inflated costs, and misaligned initiatives belong to the past. We are enforcing competitive procurement, aligning programmes with strategy, and holding officials accountable for results.

The DFFE is not only a department of government, it is a steward of South Africa’s natural heritage and a driver of inclusive growth. With over 3,700 personnel, we must operate with precision and purpose. I am determined to ensure that this institution delivers jobs, sustainability, and credible governance.

Together with South Africans across all sectors, we will prove that fiscal discipline and environmental stewardship are two sides of the same coin, and that through this discipline, we can secure a greener and more prosperous future for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Source: APO

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 Egyptian authorities have since July 2025 carried out an abusive campaign of mass arrests and prosecutions targeting online content creators, Human Rights Watch said today. 

Based on Interior Ministry statements, the authorities arrested or prosecuted for online content at least 29 people, including at least 19 women and a child, between late July and late August, while credible media and human rights reports recorded another 8 cases. The authorities brought vague charges against those targeted, including belly dancers and tattoo artists, such as violating “public morals,” “undermining family values,” and “money laundering,” stemming from what they said were “indecent” videos posted on social media platforms like TikTok. 

“Egyptian authorities’ campaign against online content creators seems intended to quell the last vestige of space for free expression in the country,” said Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “This is part of the government’s relentless attempt to criminalize all forms of expression that do not conform with its political or social views.”

The government’s actions violate the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and nondiscrimination, Human Rights Watch said. The authorities should drop abusive prosecutions and cease using vague morality charges to quell online expression.

Those arrested face criminal charges of “violating family principles or values in Egyptian society” under article 25 of Law No. 175 of 2018 on Cybercrime, which can lead to six months to three years in prison and hefty fines. Human Rights Watch previously documented that this law has become one of the key tools for criminalizing free expression in recent years. 

The authorities have also used a combination of broad and poorly defined laws that give prosecutors and judges unrestricted discretion in defining what constitutes charges of “public indecency” and “inciting debauchery” in the penal code. 

The public prosecution confirmed on August 8 that it had charged 10 content creators with broadcasting “indecent videos” that “undermine family and societal principles” on TikTok, ordering the pretrial detention of eight while releasing two on bail. It also froze the assets of all 10 and banned them from travel. 

The authorities also targeted at least one child and several other young people. On June 23, prosecutors jailed a 16-year old girl, Nour Tufaha, for four days before referring her case to trial for allegedly posting online “indecent” videos of herself dancing. On August 25, a juvenile court reportedly sentenced her to two years in prison for “promoting vice and debauchery.”

On August 4, the public prosecution ordered the pretrial detention of a young woman who posts on TikTok, known as Suzy El Ordoneya, over accusations that she published videos that “offend public decency.” Her page on TikTok has nearly 9.3 million followers and features videos in which she discusses social issues, sings, or dances. On August 20, a judge renewed her detention for 15 days pending investigation on charges of publishing “indecent” videos and “money laundering.” 

The Interior Ministry’s morality police department and other police units also detained four belly dancers for posting videos of themselves dancing in allegedly “indecent” clothing deemed to “violate public morals.” Official statements and Egyptian media identified them as Badiaa, an Egyptian-Italian dancer, Noura Denial, Boosi al-Asad, and Doosa.

Security forces arrested Mohamed Abdelaty on August 4 for broadcasting videos in which he allegedly used “indecent” language. Prosecutors and judges renewed his detention most recently on September 1. Pro-government newspapers reported that he is also facing charges related to “money laundering.” Abdelaty has over half a million followers on TikTok, where he showcases comedy sketches, commentary, and weightlifting. 

On August 12, authorities arrested an 18-year-old known on TikTok as “Yasmeen” for publishing allegedly “indecent” videos. Authorities claimed Yasmeen was “a man mispresenting as a woman,” a claim frequently used against proscribed gender non-conforming appearances. She was released on bail on August 13.

On August 3, the authorities arrested Mohamed Shaker, known on TikTok as “Shaker Mahzour Delwati” following complaints by a pro-government lawyer to the public prosecutor accusing him of broadcasting videos that “violate the principles and values of the society.” Shaker, who has more than 5.5 million followers on TikTok, often shares clips of luxury cars and high end travel. 

Authorities also targeted tattoo artists as part of sweeping arrests. For example, On August 5, police arrested an online content creator and tattoo artist known as Fadi Tattoo for allegedly publishing videos of himself tattooing women, which authorities said “contradicts societal traditions.” He was released on bail on August 7.

On August 10, pro-government newspapers reported that a criminal appeals court had sentenced a woman who posts on TikTok and her male assistant to three years in prison and a 100,000 Egyptian pound fine (US$2,054) for posting “indecent” videos on TikTok. Human Rights Watch could not verify their names or content.

These arrests came amid a campaign on social media and in pro-government newspapers accusing content creators of “morality” violations and “money laundering.” Pro-government media also reported that several lawyers had filed complaints with the public prosecutor against content creators for “promoting vice and debauchery.”

In July, one complaint sent to the public prosecution was reportedly signed by 32 lawyers against 10 content creators, 8 of them women. Egyptian laws allow citizens to file complaints with the public prosecution against individuals for what they deem to be “offenses” that impact public safety or morals. The public prosecutor has the authority to decide whether to proceed with investigation and indictment. 

A member of the House of Representatives’ Telecommunications Committee, Ahmed Badawy, said on August 2 that TikTok might be banned in Egypt if it does not “eliminate content … in order to respect societal values.” 

Targeting girls and women based on how they dress or engage in acts like dancing, exemplifies the campaign’s discriminatory nature, Human Rights Watch said. Discrimination against girls and women, including social and cultural discrimination, is prohibited under international human rights law, including the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 

The right to free expression is guaranteed under the Egyptian Constitution and international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

International law requires that any limitations to freedom of expression must be proportionate, stated in a precise manner, in a way that people can reasonably predict what constitutes a violation, and be necessary to protect national security, public order, public health, or morals in a democratic society. What constitutes morality must not be derived from one set of traditions, religion, or culture, but rather in light of the diversity of a society. 

The UN Human Rights Committee, which oversees the interpretation of the covenant, has affirmed that the right to freedom of expression applies online and also said that laws “may not confer unfettered discretion” to authorities and that any “limitations must be understood in the light of universality of human rights and the principle of non-discrimination.”

“The Egyptian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested for exercising their right to free speech online and drop the charges against them,” Magdi said. “The authorities should also repeal all laws restricting the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of belief in the name of morality.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO

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The Standing Committee on Appropriations has called for urgent steps and political will to ensure adequate funding for the Border Management Authority (BMA), following a briefing the committee received from the Department of Home Affairs led by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber and his Deputy, Mr Njabulo Nzuza.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the BMA’S approved organisational structure provides for 11 115 personnel. However, only 2 566 positions have been filled, leaving 8 549 vacancies. Within the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the BMA requires the filling of 3 207 positions to begin aligning with the approved structure. Achieving this will necessitate significant additional funding.

The committee Chairperson, Dr Mmusi Maimane, emphasised the urgency of adequately resourcing the BMA. “The integrity and sovereignty of our borders are of paramount importance. Currently, the Border Management Authority is underfunded by more than R2.2 billion. Without the necessary tools, such as thermal scanners and modern policing technology, the Authority is severely constrained in fulfilling its mandate. Addressing this funding shortfall is vital not only for national security but also to safeguard South Africa against illicit trade, tax evasion and the illegal movement of goods.”

The committee noted that while the BMA has achieved commendable success through the use of modern technology, including limited deployment of drones and vehicles, it continues to operate under severe resource constraints. The lack of adequate tools of trade and insufficient funding remain critical barriers to its effectiveness.

The committee further underscored the importance of political will in addressing the challenges facing the BMA. It expressed concern over the abuse of social services by undocumented immigrants, as well as the risks associated with foreign prisoners attempting to exploit South Africa’s porous borders. The committee also highlighted the absence of prisoner exchange agreements with neighbouring countries, which exacerbates these risks.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that the BMA is adequately funded and capacitated to carry out its mandate of protecting South Africa’s borders, enhancing national security and preserving the integrity of the state.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, joins African countries in commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Sirte Declaration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

The resolution was adopted on 9 September, 1999, in Sirte, Libya and called for the establishment of the African Union (AU) to accelerate continental integration and address Africa’s challenges with stronger unity and more unified solutions. This was the genesis of the creation of the AU, which officially launched in 2002, replacing the OAU to foster greater political and economic cooperation across the continent.

The Sirte Declaration decided, among other things, to establish the AU, speed up the implementation of the provisions of the Abuja Treaty, create an African Economic Community, African Central Bank, an African Monetary Union, an African Court of Justice and a Pan-African Parliament.

The Declaration was followed by summits at Lomé in 2000, when the Constitutive Act of the African Union was adopted, and at Lusaka in 2001, when the plan for the implementation of the African Union was adopted. The first session of the Assembly of the African Union was held in Durban on 9 July 2002.

Mr Mahumapelo said commemoration of this day is an appreciation of the progressive gains that have been achieved in the implementation of this iconic resolution, which took the work of the OAU to the next level. “We are marking this day with deep optimism for more progressive movement in the area of unity of AU countries and their redefined and strengthened cooperation at all fronts,” said Mr Mahumapelo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, had a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Mr. Serguei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The purpose of this conversation was to pursue and consolidate the political dialogue and the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.

The two ministers welcomed the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations, under the joint leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

On the occasion of His Majesty the King’s visit to Moscow in 2016, a deepened strategic partnership was concluded between the two countries.

In this regard, Bourita and Lavrov stressed the need to continue the work undertaken since 2016 and to deepen it on all matters of common interest.

The upcoming bilateral milestones were discussed, in particular the ongoing preparations for the 8th Joint Commission.

The two ministers also addressed regional and international issues and agreed to continue political dialogue between the two countries in a constructive spirit and with mutual respect.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO – Report:

• Yoshida’s visit came as Canon forecasts ambitious double-digit growth for the Middle East and Türkiye region and for the Central & North Africa in 2025.  
• Strategic engagement with employees and stakeholders to advance two-way communication and deepen market insights aligned with growth priorities. 

Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) (www.Canon-Europe.com) President & CEO, Shinichi ‘Sam’ Yoshida, has completed his first official visit to the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai, since assuming leadership in March 2025. The visit underscores Canon’s long-term commitment to the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye as one of its fastest-growing markets. 

The visit comes as Canon projects double digit growth in Middle East & Türkiye and in Central & North Africa for 2025, supported by expansion across consumer and business segments. These forecasts align with strong regional economic growth projections of 3.5% for the Middle East (https://apo-opa.co/3IdwKov), 3% for Türkiye (https://apo-opa.co/46ds1eF), and over 4% in Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4mb4uB1). The timing reflects Canon’s confidence in the region’s potential as a key driver of future expansion. 

“The Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa represent one of the most exciting growth frontiers for Canon,” said Yoshida. “Its rapid digital transformation, thriving creator economy and smart city initiatives align perfectly with our strengths in imaging and innovation. Canon invests substantially in R&D with over 8% of global sales yielding more than 3,000 US patents annually. My visit was about listening, engaging and reinforcing our commitment to customers, partners and employees.”  

During his regional tour, Yoshida met with customers, partners, and over 500 employees across the region physically and remotely, highlighting his focus on two-way communication and customer-centric leadership. He explored growth opportunities in healthcare imaging, commercial printing, digital entertainment, broadcasting, and security solutions.  

Canon continues to drive sustainability and community development across the region, guided by Kyosei. This philosophy extends beyond business practices and actively contributes to the well-being of communities through various empowerment initiatives (https://apo-opa.co/4mfpsi9).  

• Miraisha Programme – providing training and business opportunities to over 7,000 people in Africa, now in its 10th year. 
• Canon Young People Programme – empowering 1,500 young changemakers across 33 countries. 
• Women Who Empower – supporting women in imaging and print industries across the Middle East and Africa. 

Canon’s EMEA business spans 120 countries with 12,300 employees. Under Yoshida’s leadership, the company is reinforcing its core imaging and printing strengths while expanding into industrial printing, B2B solutions and information management technologies. His approach is guided by five core principles: establishing trust and integrity, fostering genuine two-way communication, creating customer advocates, delivering consistent financial growth, and pushing creative boundaries through innovation. 

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa 
Mai Youssef 
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency 
Rania ElRafie 
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com 

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. 

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.  

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3JYWp4S) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. 

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com 

Source: APO – Report:

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On a recent morning at the Kiryandongo reception centre in northwestern Uganda, the exhaustion is palpable among newly arrived refugees – mostly women and children – lining up in the shade to receive assistance. Moving among the crowd is Abdalla Mohamed, going from one family to another to offer translation and guidance on where to go and what to do next.

The 53-year-old Sudanese father of four knows the feeling all too well. He arrived in February this year with nothing but his family and the hope of safety. Now, he spends his days helping others.

“I volunteer at the reception centre and use my English language skills to help interpret for new arrivals,” he said. “I also help the community by connecting the most vulnerable to the respective aid agencies. Instead of sitting at home, I thought I could be of help to my people. The reception centre is overcrowded, and I see so many people in need of help every day.”

Since the start of 2025, an average of 600 people, mostly from Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been arriving in Uganda each day. The East African country currently hosts nearly 2 million refugees, over half of them children. The strain is evident everywhere, from overcrowded reception centres and school classrooms to inadequate food supplies and health care services. Malnutrition rates, especially in children under five, are rising at an alarming pace.

“People come in big numbers,” said Abdalla. “The assistance they are receiving is not enough, and they don’t have money to buy anything. There are vulnerable people, including elders and children, who are separated from their families. They live in overcrowded shelters with not enough water.”

Despite the dire humanitarian situation and limited services, the refugees’ determination to rebuild their lives and regain normality has not waned, including children wishing to continue their education. Schools in the settlement are filled with children eager to learn, crammed into congested classrooms with limited learning resources.

“Even before the current situation, the schools were overcrowded,” said Sarah Baako Taban, 43, a South Sudanese refugee teacher. “It is worse now. In one of my classes, I teach over 230 students. I don’t get a space to walk to reach some of the students at the back. I can only do so much. You won’t even know what is happening at the back of the classroom, but we have no choice, we have to keep teaching despite the challenges.”

Among Sarah’s students is Sojoud Ibrahim, 18, from Nyala in Sudan’s South Darfur region. The war tore through her hometown, scattering her friends and shattering her dreams of becoming a designer. Her family sold their home to pay for transport to escape. She was in secondary school, but now in Uganda, she must start over, placed several grades back in primary school to adjust to a new curriculum.

However, her resolve to resume her education and fulfil her dreams remains unbroken. “I am still strong and am not destroyed, and my father supports me,” she said. “When the war happened, we managed to come here. I miss my friends. I don’t know if they died. I want to continue with my education and complete high school so I can become a designer.”

In its annual Refugee Education Report published on 9 September, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warned that deep cuts to humanitarian and development aid are putting recent gains in refugee education at risk, with nearly half of school-aged refugee children still out of school.

UNHCR is working with the government of Uganda and partners to provide life-saving assistance with dwindling funds. The agency recently reported that by the end of July, it only had sufficient resources to support less than 18,000 individuals with cash and essential relief items, enough to cover just two months of new arrivals at the current pace.

“Emergency funding runs out in September,” said Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director for External Relations, who recently visited settlements hosting Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. “More children will die of malnutrition, more girls will fall victim to sexual violence, and families will be left without shelter or protection unless the world steps up. Uganda has opened its doors, its schools, and its health centers. This model can succeed, but it can’t do it alone.

With peace in their homelands still a distant hope, refugees like Abdalla are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives, but without urgent support, their resilience alone cannot sustain them.

“Please continue to help us, we need more support,” said Abdalla. “I know the world has a lot of problems but try to help us now. Maybe in a few years, Sudan will become peaceful.”

– on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Islamist armed group Islamic State in the Sahel Province (IS Sahel) has escalated attacks on civilians in Niger since March 2025, Human Rights Watch said today. The attacks violated international humanitarian law and are apparent war crimes.

In at least five attacks across Niger’s western Tillabéri region that Human Rights Watch documented, IS Sahel summarily executed over 127 villagers and Muslim worshipers, and burned and looted dozens of homes. Witnesses said the Nigerien army did not adequately respond to warnings of attacks, ignoring villagers’ requests for protection. Protection strategies for residents in the region should be urgently overhauled to deter future attacks and create more responsive warning systems.

“Islamist armed groups are targeting the civilian population in western Niger and committing horrific abuses,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Nigerien authorities need to do more to protect people living in the Tillabéri region.”

The Tillabéri region borders the countries of Burkina Faso and Mali, where government forces have been fighting Islamist armed groups for over a decade. The area has been a focal point of IS Sahel activity in Niger for a decade, as well for government counterinsurgency operations. Since 2019, Islamist armed groups allied with the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda have escalated attacks against military targets and civilians in the so-called tri-border area. These groups have also destroyed schools and religious sites, and imposed severe restrictions based on their interpretation of Islam.

From May to July 2025, Human Rights Watch remotely interviewed 28 people, including 19 witnesses and 9 local activists, journalists, and physicians. Human Rights Watch wrote to the Niger justice minister on August 19, sharing research findings and requesting information on the government’s steps to enhance the protection of civilians. The justice minister did not respond.

No armed group has claimed responsibility for the five attacks that Human Rights Watch documented. However, witnesses said they believed the attackers were members of IS Sahel based on the villages targeted and the attackers’ attire, including turbans with red bands similar to those the armed group wore during previous attacks. Residents also said that prior to each attack, IS Sahel fighters had threatened their communities, accusing them of collaborating with the Nigerien army or disregarding the fighters’ demands.

On June 21, IS Sahel fighters opened fire on worshipers in a mosque in Manda village, killing over 70 and injuring at least 20. “The scene was chilling,” said a 77-year-old woman who lost three sons in the attack. “There were bodies everywhere, one on top of the other. There were bodies inside and outside the mosque. The wounded were screaming and bleeding.”

On May 13, IS Sahel fighters attacked the hamlet of Dani Fari and killed five men and two boys, and burned at least a dozen homes. A herder said: “The bodies were scattered … riddled with bullets. There wasn’t a single body out there that had fewer than three bullet holes. The bullets had hit people in the back, arms, head…. We found the bodies of the two children lying on their backs.”

Niger’s military junta has been in power since July 26, 2023, when army officers of the self-proclaimed National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie), led by Brig. Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew and detained the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

They cited the deteriorating security situation as one of the reasons for toppling Bazoum and promised to restore security in areas affected by Islamist armed groups. The nongovernmental organization Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) has reported that since the coup, though, IS Sahel has killed about 1,600 civilians.

The junta security forces have conducted large counterinsurgency operations, including airstrikes, against the Islamist armed groups in conflict-affected areas. On August 3, the junta began an initiative known in the Hausa language as “Garkuwar Kassa” (Shields of the Homeland), aimed at recruiting and training civilians to assist the armed forces. But that has raised concerns among human rights groups about creating abusive militias.

Human Rights Watch has previously reported on abuses by Islamist armed groups in Niger, including the killing of hundreds of civilians in 2021. Human Rights Watch also documented abuses by Niger’s security forces in 2021, including killings and enforced disappearances during counterinsurgency operations, and the junta’s crackdown on the political opposition, media, and peaceful dissent.

All parties to Niger’s armed conflict are bound by Common Article 3 to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary laws of war. International humanitarian law prohibits attacking civilians, mistreating anyone in custody, and burning and looting civilian property. Individuals who order, commit, or assist serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent may be prosecuted for war crimes. The Niger government has an obligation to investigate and appropriately prosecute alleged war crimes committed within its territory.

“Civilians threatened by Islamist armed groups are calling on Niger’s junta to provide greater protection,” Allegrozzi said. “The government should take urgent steps to deter future atrocities, investigate serious abuses by IS Sahel and other armed groups, and bring those responsible to account based on international fair trial standards.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).