The CSIS Africa Program cordially invites you to attend:
The Use and Abuse of Anti-terrorism Laws in Africa
With:
Thulani Maseko
Human rights defender; Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow
American University
Maria Burnett
Uganda Researcher, Africa Division
Human Rights Watch
Stephan Klingelhofer
Senior Vice President
International Center for Not-for-Profit Law
Moderated by:
The threat of terrorism in some parts of Africa and the resolve of the United States to defeat it has been used by some governments in the region to justify passing draconian anti-terror legislation. In some instances, these laws have not only failed to protect suspects, they have been used as a politically useful tool against regime opponents. Thalani Maseko, an attorney from Swaziland, will discuss the use of his country’s Suppression of Terrorism Act to stifle political protest against the rule of King Mswati III, and his efforts to defend those who have fallen foul of that law. Maria Burnett of Human Rights Watch will describe how the threat of terrorism in Uganda has opened the door to abusive practices such as illegal detention, torture, and the targeting of political opponents. Steve Klingelhofer will provide an overview of the legislative trends on anti-terrorism in Sub Saharan Africa and discuss the implications for U.S. policy objectives in the region.
