ECOWAS Court Orders Sierra Leone to Repeal Loitering Laws Violating Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has on Thursday ordered Sierra Leone to amend, modify, or repeal its laws on loitering in public places to comply with the country’s obligations under Articles 1, 2, 3(1), and 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

A Sierra Leonean NGO, Advocaid Ltd, had filed an application with the Court on 12 April 2022 challenging certain provisions of Sierra Leone’s Public Order Act, Summary Conviction Offences Ordinance, and Criminal Procedure Act which authorise the police to arrest any person who is idle in a public place and cannot give a good account of himself or herself.

The Applicant contended that maintaining and enforcing these laws violate the principles of non-discrimination, equality before the law, and freedom of movement, particularly concerning impoverished and marginalized people.

In the Judgment delivered by Justice Edward Asante Amoako, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court found that the loitering laws perpetuate discrimination against economically disadvantaged individuals, violating the right to non-discrimination and equal protection under Articles 2 and 3(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Additionally, the laws impose unwarranted restrictions on freedom of movement, contrary to Article 12(1) of the African Charter.

The Court also noted that vague terms in the loitering laws, such as “idle” and “disorderly,” create opportunities for arbitrary enforcement and do not meet standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality in a democratic society.

Accordingly, the ECOWAS Court ordered Sierra Leone to undertake legislative reforms to amend, modify, or repeal these loitering laws to comply with its human rights obligations under the African Charter.

The Court further directed each party to bear its own costs in the suit.

Also on the three-member panel were Honourable Justices Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, presiding and Dupe Atoki, member.

ECOWAS Court Orders Sierra Leone to Repeal Loitering Laws Violating Human Rights

VC BOSU VISITS CUSTOMS HOUSE-ASSURES OF COLLABORATION

By: Our Reporter

The Vice Chancellor Borno State University Professor Babagana Gutti, has called for collaboration between BOSU and the Customs Borno/Yobe Command to serve humanity.

He made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Controller Customs Borno/Yobe Command, Muhammad Danja Mala. Professor Gutti said, the visit was to familiarize himself as well as explore ways of collaboration between the two important institutions as, they can tap from each others functions and experiences.

In his response, the Controller Customs Borno/Yobe Command Muhammad Danja Mala congratulated the VC on his appointment and assured of readiness of the Customs Borno/Yobe Command to collaborate with BOSU for the progress of the two organizations. Alh. MD Mala assured the VC that his doors are always open for any collaboration adding that, the Customs is ready to assist BOSU in anyway possible.

He then presented a plaque to the VC in appreciation of the visit.

VC BOSU VISITS CUSTOMS HOUSE-ASSURES OF COLLABORATION

Nigeria, Rwanda Sign MOU to Strengthen Economic Partnership

By: Michael Mike

Rwanda and Nigeria have strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Lagos International Trade Fair between the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, further underscoring the commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The MoU was signed between the LCCI and the PSF, represented by their respective leaders: Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of the LCCI, and Mr. Kanamugire Callixte, Deputy CEO of the PSF Rwanda.

This strategic partnership between the LCCI and PSF Rwanda, according to a statement by the Hugh Commission of Rwanda on Thursday, aims to foster collaboration and create new avenues for businesses in both countries. The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key areas such as trade facilitation, investment promotion, information sharing, capacity building, and joint events organization.

High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, said:
“This MOU is a testament to our shared vision—a vision of a vibrant and interconnected African business landscape where Rwanda and Nigeria stand as beacons of economic collaboration and mutual growth”. “The Rwandan government is fully committed to supporting this endeavor. We have implemented policies to streamline business procedures, enhance infrastructure, and promote a conducive investment climate.”

The LCCI representative outlined the objectives of the partnership, including enhancing business relationships, exploring investment opportunities, and sharing best practices between Nigerian and Rwandan businesses. Specific sectors identified for collaboration include agriculture (with a particular interest in Rwandan coffee and tea production), energy, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.

Both parties discussed future plans, including organising trade missions, business-to-business meetings, and participating in each other’s international trade fairs. They agreed to start activities as soon as possible, with plans for virtual meetings and potential visits in the first half of the following year.

Under this MoU, the LCCI and PSF Rwanda will work together to: Facilitate Trade by streamlining trade procedures, reduce barriers, and promote the exchange of goods and services between Nigeria and Rwanda; Promote Investment by identifying and promoting investment opportunities in both countries, organize trade missions, and facilitate business partnerships; Share Information by exchanging information on market trends, trade regulations, and investment incentives to support business decision-making; Build Capacity by organising joint workshops, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of businesses in both countries; and Host Events by collaborating on organising trade fairs, exhibitions, and business forums to foster networking and facilitate partnerships.
 
According to the statement: This partnership is expected to generate significant benefits for businesses in Rwanda and Nigeria, including: Increased Trade as the MoU will facilitate greater trade flows between the two countries, opening up new markets and expanding business opportunities; Investment Growth as the collaboration will attract investment in key sectors, contributing to economic growth and job creation; Enhanced Competitiveness as businesses will benefit from knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives, improving their competitiveness in regional and global markets; Stronger Networks as the MoU will foster stronger business networks and partnerships, facilitating collaboration and innovation.

The Rwanda High Commission said it encourages businesses in both countries to explore the opportunities created by this partnership.

Nigeria, Rwanda Sign MOU to Strengthen Economic Partnership