WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 27, 2024) – As human rights defenders fight for freedom in Africa, the McCain Institute’s Assistant Director of the Human Rights Defenders Program Berivan Orucoglu examines how the continent is becoming a testing ground for authoritarianism.
“Human rights defenders across the continent are on the forefront, fighting an uphill battle against these entwined forces of local tyranny and international autocracy,” Orucoglu writes. “Their struggle is not just a local fight for resources or freedoms; it’s a frontline defense against the spread of global autocracy, influencing international law, global governance, and the balance of power.”
Read the article HERE or below.
Op-ed: Why America must stand with Africa’s human rights defenders
The Hill
By Berivan Orucoglu
Africa has become a battlefield between democracy and authoritarianism—and as things stand right now, the autocrats are winning.
In the shadowy recesses of international politics, Africa is often overlooked by headline-dominant crises elsewhere, yet it is a pivotal arena where the future of global democracy may well be decided. As more than 25 percent of the world’s population will be African in the coming decades, it’s in our best interest to think about their future—and the broader implications for global security, democracy, and U.S. interests.
Often sidelined in policy priorities, Africa has become a playground where China and Russia gleefully carve up spheres of influence through natural resources and—let’s not forget—UN votes, thanks to cozy relationships with authoritarian regimes.
Human rights defenders across the continent are on the forefront, fighting an uphill battle against these entwined forces of local tyranny and international autocracy. Their struggle is not just a local fight for resources or freedoms; it’s a frontline defense against the spread of global autocracy, influencing international law, global governance, and the balance of power.
The stakes are incredibly high. When African nations fall under the sway of autocrats, backed by Chinese and Russian support, they become chess pieces in a game that strengthens authoritarianism at the expense of global democracy. These alliances facilitate the circumvention of international sanctions—African countries have been accused of issuing diplomatic passports to sanctioned officials, aiding nuclear agreements with entities like Rosatom, and providing refuge for international fugitives.
At a recent event hosted by the McCain Institute, defenders from Congo Brazzaville, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, and Uganda shared stories of harassment, brutal attacks, unjust imprisonment, and the devastating impact on their families. Despite these harrowing personal experiences, they maintained a resolute focus on the broader implications of their struggles for global stability. Congolese defender Andrea Ngombet emphasized the critical yet overlooked role of Africa in global politics, warning of the continent’s use as a stage for advancing autocracy worldwide. “It’s time to recognize the decisive role Africa plays in global instability. My country’s nuclear agreement with Russia’s Rosatom is a stark example of striving for unchecked power, emulating North Korean aspirations to cement power permanently, ” he stated.
Nicholas Opiyo, a renowned human rights lawyer from Uganda, highlighted the hypocrisy of his government. While publicly aligning with global anti-terror efforts, Uganda serves as a covert channel for violating international sanctions, underscoring the urgent need for global attention to these regions where defenders persevere against all odds to spotlight and combat these critical issues.
Why should the U.S. care? Because the battle for human rights in Africa aligns closely with America’s national interests, and it is a strategic measure to maintain balance in global affairs. The defenders’ battles against corruption and exploitation are directly linked to the security and stability of international markets and democratic institutions. Defenders not only point out the connections between seemingly unrelated international crises; they’re drawing a map of a world where ignored countries are aspiring to become mini-North Koreas, with ambitions for nuclear capabilities that could destabilize the entire world.
Authoritarians and hostile nations aren’t waiting for the U.S. to finish internal debates or the November elections—they’re advancing their agendas now, exploiting the distraction. It is not enough to condemn from afar or impose sanctions without follow-through. American foreign policy must recalibrate to support these defenders more effectively.
The U.S. must be a proactive partner, amplifying the voices of those who fight for democratic values and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. This support should involve creating mechanisms whereby the targeted sanctions and frozen assets of perpetrators are used to support the infrastructure of democracy—funding legal aid, supporting independent media, and ensuring that activists have the technology and security they need to be safe and effective.
Moreover, there is a need for a robust policy framework that not only penalizes through sanctions but also actively dismantles the networks that allow sanctioned officials to evade these penalties. African countries should not be seen as conduits for sanction dodging or as backdoors for illegal international dealings.
What happens in Africa will not stay in Africa. Supporting human rights defenders is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart, necessary path forward for global security and the international order. So, let’s not just send thoughts and prayers. Let’s send support, solidarity, and a loud, clear message: human rights matter, everywhere.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
