US condemns rights violations in East Africa

Activist Julius Kamau holds a placard reading “End State Abductions Now” as he protests along Kimathi Street in Nairobi, Kenya on December 28, 2024.

Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group

East Africa's human rights record has deteriorated sharply over the past year, with governments accused of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on free expression, according to the latest US State Department Human Rights Report.

But the findings were dismissed by rights watchers, who said the report was vague and ignored significant violations.