At least 6 killed as regime takes 80% of parliamentary seats in election

Paris, Nairobi, Djibouti, 15 March 2013 – The Djiboutian human rights situation remains alarming and extremely serious with at least 6 deaths during demonstrations following the 22 February 2013 elections, and the continuous mass arbitrary arrest of opposition leaders and supporters. FIDH and the LDDH call on the international community to engage in finding a political solution to the crisis in Djibouti.

On Wednesday, 14 March 2013, the Djiboutian Constitutional Court confirmed the temporary results of legislative elections of 22 February 2013, which had been announced earlier as culminating in an overwhelming victory for the “Union pour la majorité présidentielle” (UMP – coalition of parties in power). The UMP was reported to have won over 80% parliamentary seats, with 55 seats and only 10 for the opposition.

The Djiboutian opposition, united under the “Union pour le Salut National” (USN), has rejected the published results and announced its intent to lodge a complaint. Information gathered by our organisations indicates that, contrary to declarations made in the aftermath of the elections, February’s elections were tarnished by numerous irregularities and acts of negligence, in particular during voting in Obock, Dikill, Tadjourah and Ali-Sabieh.

“It is unfortunate that the legislative elections of 22 February did not meet necessary requirements for transparency and credibility whilst, for the first time in almost ten years, political opposition parties had agreed to take part in the elections, offering the hope of true democratic pluralism”, said Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.

A tense political climate has prevailed in Djibouti since the February’s elections, which were held against a backdrop of significant public protests against the regime of Ismail Omar Guelleh. Opposition demonstrations and meetings have multiplied as security forces repression has been characterised by the disproportionate use of  force.

Our organisations have collected reliable information on at least 6 persons shot dead by security forces on 25 and 26 February 2013: 5 opposition followers and a high school student. Many other deaths during the demonstrations of 25 and 26 February 2013 have been reported, but could not, at the time of writing, be corroborated due to harassment suffered by the families of dead or injured opposition followers. The Djiboutian civilian population prefers to keep these violations quiet for fear of risking greater repression. Human rights defenders are also victims of harassment and threats.

Category: Media Monitoring