Amnesty Internationa says impunity fuels instability, conflict, human rights violations

Amnesty International, or AI, said on Wednesday in its annual report that impunity continues to fuel instability and conflict in Africa, which overshadows the tentative progress of human rights in the continent.
Adopting historic commitments such as Agenda 2063 of the African Union, or A.U., and the social and economic development of many African countries have been overshadowed by conflicts in Somalia, Nigeria and Central African Republic, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions others who were forced into displacement.
"East Africa saw a shameful rise in human rights violations in 2015. These were particularly marked around elections, which were marred by bans on protests and rallies, excessive use of force against demonstrators and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders, journalists and members of the political opposition," East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes Director, Muthoni Wanyeki said.
"Some regional governments continued their regrettable diplomatic offensive against international justice and the International Criminal Court to ensure impunity for political leaders accused of international crimes. Impunity continues to fuel instability, conflict and human rights violations," Wanyeki added.
In this regard, AI denounced the South African government for not arresting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during his visit to that country in June to attend the A.U. summit.
The report insisted that violations of human rights in the continent are committed by both government forces and armed groups, and shed the light on violations by state armies which foster distrust of local populations, as has happened in Nigeria.
AI also emphasized state repression against dissidents, journalists, lawyers and judges, especially in countries like Angola, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Moreover, many African refugees and migrants faced intolerance, xenophobia, abuses and violations, while languishing in camps that do not offer access to water, food or medical care.