Human rights activists across East Africa are facing growing cross-border repression marked by arrests, deportations, intimidation and alleged abuse. Despite the rising pressure, they remain determined to defend civic freedoms through solidarity, public action and collective resilience.
Kenya drew global attention in 2024 when Gen Z-led protests shook the nation and inspired similar movements worldwide. However, by December, when civil society groups gathered in Nairobi to launch the report Crackdown Nation, the discussion had shifted from protest victories to regional repression. Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye had been arrested in Kenya and transferred to a military court in Uganda. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agatha Atuhaire had been deported from Tanzania after alleging mistreatment in detention. Other Kenyan activists had also been detained in Uganda after attending political rallies.
Speaking at the forum, Friedrich Naumann Foundation East Africa director Ralf Erbel urged courage, saying human rights are upheld by people who refuse to stay silent. Chapter IV Institute director Njeri Kabeberi acknowledged shrinking civic space but expressed hope in continued resistance.
On a panel discussion, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, youth activist Hanifa Adan, Kenya Editors’ Guild president Zubeida Kananu and University of Nairobi lecturer Dr Francis Owakah reflected on fear, power and the cost of dissent. Khalid described repeated harassment, surveillance and deportations, noting that such risks have become routine for defenders.
Hanifa Adan, known for mobilising funds for victims of police brutality, emphasised that activism is a daily commitment, not a title. She highlighted the power of social media in driving accountability and solidarity.
Kananu described journalists as “friends of democracy,” stressing the media’s role in exposing abuses despite facing intimidation and economic hardship. She warned that attacks on the press threaten public access to truth.
Dr Owakah blamed the crisis on leadership failures, arguing that strong laws mean little without respect for institutions. He cautioned against normalising abuse, warning that silence fuels impunity.
The forum concluded that shrinking civic space is not accidental. Activists agreed that defending democracy requires vigilance, unity and unwavering commitment to human dignity.
