ODDHDjibouti, March 10, 2015

After more than twenty two (22) months of multifaceted repression with multiple human rights violations (arbitrary arrest and illegal detention, deaths in custody,   intimidation,   abusive Investment warrant,   harassment, kidnappings and torture, wrongful convictions, nationality withdrawals, extradition, travel bans and confiscation of passports, …) without touching opponents distinction, opposition activists, human rights defenders, trade unionists, citizens, officials of the State, private sector employees, … and any person suspected of having minimal semblance of independence and dignity.

After more than twenty two (22) months of a rise of   state of lawlessness and trivializing be accentuated over time, to the detriment of the rules of justice and fundamental freedoms, the constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Covenant International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, …

After many attempts at political dialogue and moult turnovers during the 22 months that the power and the opposition coalition (USN) signed a FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT on political dialogue December 30, 2014. This agreement has allowed elsewhere to end an unprecedented political crisis over 22 months.

In this framework agreement seven (7) points have been mentioned in the paragraph ‘immediate issues”:

“1. Amnesty for the three religious covering their civil rights and members of the USN convicted on or after February 23, 2013 under this framework agreement;

2. Restoration of their rights and duties of local officials if it turns out they have lost those illegally rights;

3. Stop any act that may lead to situations of tension between the government and opposition activists;

4. Restoration of the rights of persons suspended, dismissed and those who harmed if the facts are established;

5. Integration of eight (8) members of the opposition in the National Assembly with the payment of their allowances with effect from 23 February 2013;

6. Commitment of both parties to ensure the exercise of the constitutional order, laws, fundamental freedoms in order to secure and strengthen overall democracy in the Republic of Djibouti;

7. Democratic immediate and institutional reforms. »  

Or

“Both parties agree to initiate within a week after the signing of the framework agreement: – The implementation of the points mentioned above (…)  

– Both parties agree to the establishment of a Joint Parliamentary Committee within one week from the date of the framework agreement.

– Upon the signing of the framework agreement, the draft laws on the National Electoral Commission (CENI), the status of the opposition, the code of conduct for political parties will be jointly discussed, designed and developed by the said joint committee who will pass within 30 days its consensus proposals of the framework agreement, the President of the Republic for approval by the Council of Ministers and for transmission to the National Assembly for adoption. “.

 

But unfortunately as usual, it is clear that after signing remains difficult to achieve. Among the 7 points of the immediate issues, namely one question 5 on the integration of eight (8) members of the opposition in the National Assembly has been solved half. Indeed, they are still waiting for payment of their allowances with effect from 23 February 2013.

Moreover, the ODDH always denounced as non-compliance, the silence and the opaque management around this framework agreement. Since the signing of the agreement a single joint statement was published January 31, 2015 by the Government and the Union for National Hi (USN) to announce the postponement of the date of transmission of work (CENI status of the opposition , Code of political parties) of the Joint Parliamentary Commission for February 21, 2015. And since officially, the radio silence.

Indeed, it is in the interest of power to be procrastinating what prevents the opposition to communicate over any obstacles?

USN’s Do members have the courage and insight to suspend their participation in the sessions of the National Assembly to protest the non-compliance with the Framework Agreement?

The ODDH challenges the National and International Community on the need to enforce the framework agreement for a final release of a political crisis that could be detrimental to the entire nation.  

The ODDH called the ruling respect for the framework agreement signed e n implementing democratic reforms to lay the foundations for a genuine rule of law.  

The ODDH recommended to power and opposition:  

Ø   A sincere dialogue to serve the cause of the nation and not the interests of each other,

Ø   A transparent process where the stages will be regular press briefings,

Ø   Negotiations in which there would be no winners or losers if not the people and democracy,

Acting for democracy, dignity and justice  
Farah Abdillahi Miguil
President of the ODDH