Luanda, Angola – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) to place human rights and international humanitarian law at the core of their partnership. The organization urged both unions to redouble efforts in addressing atrocities linked to conflicts and to strengthen institutions and standards that protect fundamental rights.
The call comes ahead of the 7th AU-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, on November 24th and 25th. HRW emphasizes the critical need for a renewed commitment to accountability and human rights protection in light of escalating global polarization.
“The rising global polarization underscores the necessity for both the EU and the AU to uphold their fundamental responsibilities,” stated Alan Ngari, Africa Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch. He stressed that neither union should spare any effort in ensuring accountability for perpetrators of atrocities and in supporting strategies across both continents to address ongoing and emerging human rights challenges.
HRW highlighted that brutal armed conflicts have led to the displacement of millions of civilians, with warring parties allegedly carrying out deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, resulting in deaths, injuries, and other grave violations. The organization specifically urged the AU and EU to work together urgently to support robust initiatives for civilian protection and to address the accountability gap in Sudan.
The rights group accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied forces in Sudan of carrying out extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual assault against women and girls, as well as obstructing humanitarian aid. DZWatch has independently reported on these allegations and continues to investigate the situation.
In the Sahel region, HRW noted that armed Islamist groups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have targeted civilians, causing widespread displacement. Government forces have also reportedly committed serious abuses during counter-insurgency operations, and authorities have suppressed political opposition, media, and protests. DZWatch will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as they unfold.
