Overview

The rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly were severely restricted, particularly during the election period. Opposition members, or those associated with the opposition, bore the brunt of the widescale repression of dissent, including arbitrary detention and prosecution. New legislation imposed further restrictions on and harsh penalties against activists and critics. Plain-clothes state agents abducted political activists, tortured them, and killed one man. At least one activist was reportedly killed by ruling party supporters. The authorities took measures to control the spread of a cholera outbreak which killed at least 100 people and affected thousands more. Women and girls were denied their right to sexual and reproductive health. New legislation went some way to addressing children’s need for protection.