During the 2026 sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which began on 11 May and runs until 20 May, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa actively engaged with continental oversight mechanisms to raise the alarm regarding the state of freedom of expression, media freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly in the region.
Our recent interventions focused on two critical fronts: reviewing Kenya’s compliance under its 14th Periodic Report and presenting a comprehensive statement on the human rights situation in Rwanda.
Overview of Kenya’s 14th Periodic Report: A critical review of civic space
During the examination of Kenya’s 14th Periodic Report under Article 62 of the African Charter, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa acknowledged structural and legislative milestones but underscored persistent gaps between treaty ratification and actual domestic enforcement.
- Excessive force and protests: ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa highlighted the continuous and alarming trend of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the unlawful use of lethal force to suppress public protests and assemblies. We urged the Commission to hold Kenya accountable to its obligations under Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa.
- Digital rights and surveillance: While Kenya has made strides in digital infrastructure, the report review brought to light targeted digital surveillance, internet throttling threats during politically sensitive times, and the misuse of cybercrime laws to intimidate journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders.
- Protection of journalists: The review emphasised an increasing culture of impunity regarding physical assaults and judicial harassment directed at members of the press covering civic unrest or investigative stories.
Statement on the human rights situation in Rwanda (2026)
In a dedicated statement to the African Commission, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa drew attention to the severe contraction of civic space and the suppression of dissenting voices in Rwanda.
- Systemic censorship and self-censorship: The statement outlined how statutory restrictions and a rigid regulatory environment continue to force local independent journalists into exile or self-censorship. Critical commentary on public governance remains highly criminalised.
- Misuse of legal frameworks: We raised concerns over the weaponisation of national security, cyber-surveillance, and anti-defamation laws to arbitrarily arrest and detain online content creators, opposition figures, and independent commentators.
- Regional implication of armed conflicts: Referencing ongoing geopolitical friction and regional legal actions, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa emphasised how cross-border tensions continue to impact internal human rights dynamics, resulting in heightened surveillance and restrictions under the guise of public safety.
Our call to action
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa reiterates that a robust democracy cannot exist without the total protection of freedom of expression and the press.
We formally call upon the African Commission to issue strong concluding observations requesting:
- Kenya to urgently establish independent accountability mechanisms investigating police misconduct during protests and to align its computer misuse statutes with international human rights standards.
- Rwanda to unconditionally release all individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression, reform laws that restrict independent media, and foster an enabling environment for civil society organisations.