Reports 1995-1998 Edited by Dwain C. Epps
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Appeal on behalf of people in OgonilandLetter to H.E. Ejoh Abuah, Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations in Geneva, 6 January 1998.Your Excellency, According to our information, over the weekend of 3 to 4 January Nigerian security forces attacked peaceful demonstrations in Ogoniland, fired upon demonstrators, brutalized some, and looted premises of suspected leaders. In the course of these attacks, a number of persons were arrested. Among them were Batom Mitee and Tombari Gloro, who apparently were badly beaten. It has been reported to us that they may have suffered severe injuries, but have been denied medical attention. We would be grateful if you would convey to your Government the profound dismay of the World Council of Churches at this news, and our urgent request that the above-mentioned persons be provided immediately with the medical attention they require. We further urge that the physical integrity of all those arrested be assured by the competent authorities. If there are charges to be brought against them, these should be made public and the accused be given an opportunity without delay to defend themselves in proper courts of law. If such charges are not made, all those arrested should be released immediately. We trust that a prompt investigation will be made into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, that officers responsible for illegal acts such as physical mistreatment of persons or destruction of property will be charged and brought before competent tribunals, and that due compensation be paid the victims. Respectfully, Dwain C. Epps Coordinator, International Affairs
Appeal for the release of Chief Bola Ige and fellow detaineesLetter to H.E. Ejoh Abuah, Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations in Geneva,14 May 1998.Your Excellency, The World Council of Churches is once again constrained to write to you in connection with the detention of Chief Bola Ige, a lawyer and a leading supporter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADEO). Chief Bola Ige and several others were arrested on the 2nd May by the security forces in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria. They were part of a peaceful demonstration protesting against the undemocratic and harsh measures adopted by the military regime to suppress the rule of law and fundamental freedoms of the people. At the time of the arrests, the authorities failed to disclose the reasons for their detention. The Council is concerned that those under detention are at risk of torture and inhumane treatment at the hands of the security personnel. According to the information received by the Council, persons detained for public protests are often held incommunicado for indefinite periods in life-threatening conditions. We therefore urge the physical integrity of those arrested be assured by competent authorities. We request Your Excellency to convey our concerns to the government of Nigeria that those detained be properly investigated and tried before the normal Courts of Law. In the event of charges not being filed, those arrested should be immediately released. Respectfully, Clement John Executive Secretary, International Affairs Rwanda
Appeal on the application of the death penalty.Letter from the Coordinator of the CCIA to H.E. Pasteur Bizimungu, President of the Republic, 23 April 1998, cf. p 64.Sierra Leone Statement on Sierra LeoneAdopted by the Central Committee, Geneva, 11-19 September 1997.After years of fratricidal fighting in Sierra Leone between the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the government of Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah was democratically elected in March 1996. On 25 May 1997, junior military officers staged a violent military coup d’état, overturning the civilian government and forcing President Kabbah to seek sanctuary outside the country. The new Armed Forces Revolutionary Council formed a new government with the RUF, isolating the Kamajor (civil defense) units loyal to President Kabbah. The coup was condemned by the people, churches and Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, the states of the region, the OAU and worldwide as a set-back to the democratization process in the country and in Africa as a whole. The military set-back suffered by the ECOMOG (Monitoring Group) contingent sent to Sierra Leone by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) emboldened the coup leaders who subsequently declared that they will retain power for the next four years. The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Geneva, 11 19 September 1997: Profoundly regrets that the positive results of the efforts undertaken since 1996 for a peaceful settlement of the internal conflict in Sierra Leone were reversed by the military coup of 25 May 1997; Condemns once again the use of violence by the parties to the conflict which has inflicted great suffering and loss of lives on the civilian population; Gives thanks to God for the courageous and resilient efforts of the churches in Sierra Leone and of the Inter Religious Council to mediate the present dispute and to promote constructive dialogue for peace; Supports the churches of Sierra Leone in their call for the immediate initiation of dialogue among all the parties to the conflict seeking a return to democracy and the restoration of the constitutional civilian government; Supports the peace making efforts of the churches in the region through FECCIWA (Fellowship of the Councils and Churches in West Africa); Calls upon WCC member churches and related agencies to continue and strengthen their advocacy for a negotiated solution to this crisis and to respond generously to appeals to help meet the pressing needs of the thousands of displaced people; Requests the General Secretary to send an ecumenical team as soon as possible to the churches of Sierra Leone as a sign of encouragement and support to them in their costly witness for peace; Assures the churches and people of Sierra Leone of the prayers and solidarity in this time of trial. South Africa |