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ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of justice on 30th of November, 2023, declared the State of Côte d’Ivoire liable for violation of rights of Adou Kouamé and nine other Ivorians, and ordered the Ivorian government to pay 50 million CFA Francs to each of them as compensation.
In its judgement delivered by Hon Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, Judge Rapporteur, the Court declared that the Respondent – State of Côte d’Ivoire violated the right to healthy environment and health, right to private and family life, right to adequate standard of living and food, right to freedom of religion and right of minorities to have their own culture.
However, the Court dismissed the Applicants – Adou Kouame and Others’ claim that their right to property was violated, for lack of sufficient evidence of ownership. The Court also declared the second, thirteenth and fourteenth Applicants in the suit as improper parties before the Court, stating that they did not present evidence showing their relationship with the parents they claimed to be representing respectively. The Applicants request for collective compensation was dismissed by the Court too.
In the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/08/21, the Applicants – Adou Kouame, village head of Similimi and 14 other residents, claimed that the State of Côte d’Ivoire’s failure to protect them from the negative effects of the mining activities in their community violated their right to healthy and sustainable environment, and health, right to religious and cultural freedom, right to private and family life, right to adequate standard of living and food, and right to property guaranteed under international laws cited in the application.
The Applicants’ lead counsels, Mr Rashidi Ibitowa, Ms Geneviève Aïssata Diallo and Mr Jonathan Kaufman argued that the Ivorian government did not “take measures to give effect to human rights protected by international law,” adding that the mining operations have had adverse effects on plantations, forests, rivers and places of worship causing them health hazards from polluted water, polluted air, explosions, noise pollution and ground tremors. And that their ancestral places of worship were destroyed by the mining activities including altars for sacrifices and they are of the opinion their ancestors are angry with them because their prayers and invocations were no longer answered.
They also asked the Court to hold the State liable for failure to validate the impact assessment results of 2010 that would have resettled them, adding that the Ministry of Mining and Geology renewed the mining licence of the company in 2018 despite the fact that the environmental damage persisted, and the company had not fulfilled its obligations.
They demanded 12 billion CFA francs as compensation for the estimated 600 residents of Similimi, and another 3 billion CFA francs for the Applicants for the prejudice suffered, and an order for their resettlement, among other reliefs.
The Respondent – State of Côte d’Ivoire said that following the exploitation of the mines, and the residents’ demand for compensation from the mining company as well as complaint of adverse effect on water and human health, the Minister of Environment engaged its agencies – Ivorian Anti-Pollution Centre (CIAPOL) and the National Environment Agency (ANDE) and that their reports led to the suspension of the activities of the mining company by an Order of 11 November 2015.
However, the company was allowed to resume activities in 2016 while implementing corrective measures, adding that periodic meetings between all parties continued until 2020 and that a general meeting was also held in 2021.
The Respondent asked the Court to declare the case inadmissible arguing that the matter was within the jurisdiction of national courts and that the claims of the Applicants were ill-founded and should be dismissed.
In the judgment, the Court which held that the matter was within its jurisdiction, also asked the State of Côte d’Ivoire to ensure the residents of Similimi community located in Bondoukou district in Côte d’Ivoire were resettled in compliance with relevant laws, ensure a healthy environment is restored rapidly, end the ongoing environmental degradation, and hold the perpetrators responsible for the environmental degradation.
The State of Côte d’Ivoire was ordered to bear the cost of litigation, and submit to the Court within three months, measures taken to implement this judgment.
Also on the bench were Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Dupe Atoki (Member).
ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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