In a recent appeal, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has underscored the necessity of a rights-based approach in a letter to the freshly appointed African Union (AU) Special Envoy for the Sahel, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi. The letter welcomed President Ndayishimiye’s appointment and accentuated various regional and specific human rights concerns, emphasizing the importance of integrating human rights, civilian protection, accountability, and the rule of law into his mandate. The full text of their request can be read here.
Among the salient recommendations, HRW stressed the need for the envoy to advocate for the release of all arbitrarily detained political prisoners, with a particular emphasis on rights activist Moussa Tchangari. The organization also urged that efforts to protect civilians be reported publicly and recommended collaboration with AU human rights institutions, like the AU’s Office on the Prevention of Genocide.
President Ndayishimiye’s appointment was announced by João Lourenço, the AU chairperson, with the intent of revitalizing diplomatic involvement to address the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Sahel has been destabilized by a succession of coups in these countries since 2020, with military juntas exerting control.
Allan Ngari, HRW’s Africa Advocacy Director, noted that despite Burundi’s own complex human rights landscape, President Ndayishimiye could leverage his position to promote human rights and governance reforms in the Sahel. This approach is especially pertinent in light of the continuing allegations of abuses. For instance, in Burkina Faso, pro-government militias and state forces have been implicated in ethnically targeted violence, particularly against Fulani communities. Meanwhile, Mali faces reports of extrajudicial killings and disappearances involving both its military and allied foreign soldiers. In Niger, the junta has detained former President Mohamed Bazoum and opposition figures, further eroding civil liberties.
The Sahel crisis represents a challenging terrain for the African Union, whose influence has diminished following the suspension of a dedicated Sahel envoy since September 2023. The AU asserts that a well-resourced envoy could restore its standing and relevance in dealing with the Sahel challenge, aligning with the AU’s 2025 priorities. Despite efforts like the G5‑Sahel Joint Force, Operation Barkhane, and UN peacekeeping missions, the conflict continues unabated, underscoring the complexities faced by political and humanitarian actors in the region.