SDKJ-ICC Restriction: Sahrawi Advocates Call for Investigation into OIC Silencing

Western Sahara Human Rights Defenders © Askanwi

Human Rights Defenders from Western Sahara have written a formal letter to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul calling for an investigation into their censoring at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center (SDKJ-ICC) during the ACHPR’s 87th Ordinary Session earlier this year.

Askanwi broke the news of their restriction, which saw the group of advocates' human rights event at the SDKJ-ICC cancelled after processing their payments and receiving a confirmation that their event would take place. You can follow that breaking story here. Below is the letter.

Strongly Worded Letter of Protest, Condemnation, and Denunciation

To: Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) / Relevant Authorities of the Federal Republic of The Gambia / International Human Rights Representatives

Subject: Formal Condemnation and Protest of the Silencing and Restriction of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders During the 87th Session of the African Commission by Banning Their Activities at the SDKJ-ICC

We express our strong condemnation and denunciation of the obstructive and unacceptable action taken by the management of the Sir Daouda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJ-ICC) on May 12, 2026, by abruptly and unjustifiably canceling the side event organized by human rights defenders from Western Sahara, despite their having fulfilled all organizational procedures, made reservations, and paid the required fees. This behavior is not merely an organizational embarrassment, but a blatant transgression and clear violation of national and regional legal and constitutional frameworks:

First: Regarding the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR):

Article 9 (Freedom of Expression and Right to Information): Guarantees every individual the right to express and disseminate their opinions within the framework of the law.

Articles 10 and 11 (Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Demonstration): Clearly stipulate the right to participate and assemble without being subjected to external pressure or unjustified security restrictions.

Host Country Obligations: The Gambia is obligated under the Headquarters Agreement and the African Charter to provide safe haven and an independent and protected civilian space for all participating delegations without discrimination, an obligation clearly breached by the security presence and pressure.

Second: Regarding the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (1997)

Article 25 (Fundamental Freedoms): The Gambian Constitution guarantees the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful demonstration for all persons within its territory. Any security or political pressure exerted on human rights defenders constitutes a violation of the spirit of this Constitution and of Gambian democracy.

Third: The Position of Human Rights and Civil Society Organizations in The Gambia

Gambian civil society organizations (including human rights and media partners such as Askanwi Gambia) affirm:

Their categorical rejection of the exploitation of Gambian territory for external political repression.

That the protection of "civic space" is a red line that represents the reputation and independence of the entire African human rights system. Fourth: In keeping with the spirit of the shared struggle and the African liberation movement

Today, we recall the roots of the historical struggle of the peoples of our African continent for liberation and emancipation from the yoke of colonialism and occupation, and the immense sacrifices made by the proud Gambia and all the free peoples of Africa to achieve sovereignty, freedom, and self-determination.

The Western Sahara issue is the last remaining decolonization issue in Africa, and it is an inevitable extension of the struggle of peoples yearning for freedom and independence. Attempts to silence the just voices of the Sahrawi people and muzzle human rights defenders in the land of the struggling Gambia are completely contrary to the African liberation legacy and the principles of the African Union against occupation and injustice. Liberation is indivisible, and the freedom of Western Sahara is an integral part of the freedom and dignity of all African peoples.

Legitimate demands:

An immediate and independent investigation by the Secretariat of the African Commission and the Gambian Human Rights Commission to determine who issued the annulment order and establish legal responsibility.

"The external political pressure to silence the human rights voice within the African Commission is a dangerous precedent that must be stopped immediately in order to uphold the dignity of the African Charter and to affirm that the struggle for freedom and dignity is a legitimate right for all peoples of the earth. Despite these regrettable transgressions, the Sahrawi people and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic remain steadfast in their aspiration to build bridges of communication and fraternity, and to establish strong and sustainable political and economic relations with the Republic of The Gambia and its brotherly people, based on mutual respect, adherence to international law, diplomatic norms, and continental cooperation that serves the aspirations of all the peoples of Africa for freedom and prosperity."