Resisting Impunity: The Deadly Targeting of Activists in Africa
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
12pm Washington D.C.
5pm London / Lagos / Kinshasa
6pm Paris / Cape Town / Cairo
7pm NairobiDuring the course of three consecutive days in January, a trio of Africa’s brightest lights for freedom and accountability were extinguished. In just 72 hours, three of the continent’s most intrepid and well-respected leaders had been silenced. The brazen killings of Thulani Maseko in eSwatini (Swaziland), John Williams Ntwali (Rwanda), and Martinez Zogo (Cameroon) sent shockwaves across the human rights community and led to high-level denunciations from many democratic governments worldwide.
As many feared, however, the initial outpouring of concern, the expressions of shock, and the vocal calls for accountability have subsided. In all three contexts – notable for their long autocratic rule – the human rights situation remains dire, and the hopes for reform are dim. This return to ‘business as usual’ is equally dismaying and entirely predictable. With deafening silence from African leaders – and democratic powers outside of the continent sitting on their hands – these deaths will not be the last. As we know: every unchallenged assassination further emboldens the use of violence, putting more vulnerable human rights defenders at risk.
What can be done to challenge impunity in these circumstances and to hold authoritarian leaders – their hit squads and armed enforcers – accountable for their actions? We often encourage human rights defenders like Thulani, Ntwali, and Martinez to be heroes, to literally put their lives on the line to advance social change. Yet, we just as often fail to have their backs when they are inevitably pressed against the wall by their abusers in power.
This show will convene survivors and advocates to discuss these critical issues, along the way identifying solutions to stop the contagion of targeted attacks while reinforcing the solidarity that is needed for their respective missions. Please join us on May 24 for a tribute to those we have lost and to help provide a sense of hope to those who have picked up the baton.
Meet our speakers
Tanele Maseko
Tanele Maseko is a human rights defender from eSwatini (Swaziland), the last absolute monarchy in Africa. She is the widow of Thulani Maseko, a widely celebrated activist who was murdered in his home on 21 January 2023 by suspected state agents. Tanele has bravely persevered, traveling the world to call for justice and accountability. Recently, she was named the Vice Chairperson of the Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network.
Arnold Tsunga
Arnold Tsunga is an accomplished lawyer, human rights defender, and a former member of parliament in Zimbabwe (2013-2015). He has held multiple leadership positions, including most recently as Resident Senior Director at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Zimbabwe and was a former Director of the Africa Regional Program at the International Commission of Jurists. He is also a past recipient of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.
Peter Biar Ajak
Dr. Peter Biar Ajak is an activist and former political prisoner from South Sudan who now lives in exile in the U.S. after he was targeted for kidnapping by state security services. Today, he is Coordinator for Africa at the World Liberty Congress, an NGO that builds solidarity among activists working in authoritarian countries. He is also a fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Mimi Mefo
Mimi Mefo is a multi award winning journalist from Cameroon, one of the most dangerous places in the world to practice journalism. In 2018, she established the news platform, Mimi Mefo Info, which provides information about the escalating episodes of violence and unrest in her country. As a result of her work, Mimi has spent time in jail on trumped-up charges, faced death threats, online harassment, and near constant physical surveillance.
Moderation
Mantate Mlotshwa
Mantate Mlotshwa is a passionate advocate for the meaningful contribution of women and youth to democracy and governance processes. The Founder of the creative brand U Motle, she has earned a reputation for speaking her mind and promoting positive messages of liberation and emancipation in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Jeffrey Smith
"Jeffrey Smith is an award-winning human rights campaigner, social media influencer, and a prolific writer. He is co-creator of The Resistance Bureau and also founding director of Vanguard Africa, a global nonprofit organization that partners with visionary African leaders to build campaigns for democracy and ethical leadership.