Congressional Black Caucus sends letter to Nigerian president over SARS crisis
The CBC in calling for protestors in Nigeria to be released from jail immediately
The Congressional Black Caucus is showing support for the people of Nigeria.
As protests continue to erupt in Nigeria over the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality the United States is starting to speak out including the CBC.
In a letter to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, the organization requests that Buhari not simply disband the group and rename it but that he eradicates it completely.
Read More: Beyoncé sends message to #EndSARS protesters in Nigeria
SARS is reportedly responsible for handling the country’s most heinous crimes from armed robbery, kidnappings to murder, according to CNN.
But it has become infamous for inflicting abuse against its citizens without retaliation. Despite the government saying they would overhaul the unit in 2018, protestors say little has been done.
According to the letter, the CBC is calling for a dialogue with the the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Sylvanus Nsofor and asks that the president of Nigeria does the following:
-Release all the protesters who were arrested for taking part in the #EndSARS protests over the last few weeks.
-Uphold the rights to non-violent protest and ensure the safety of protestors in accordance with the International Bill of Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)
-Publicly commit to allow an independent investigation into human rights abuses committed by the SARS unit and the police in general and include youth representatives voted on by the public on the Judicial Panels of Inquiry.
-Allow an independent investigation of the actions the led to the killings at the Lekki Toll gate.
-Provide justice for the families of the victims of recent protests against police brutality.
-Initiate comprehensive overall reform of the security sector, including incorporating accountability structures and the recommendations from the 5for5 made by Nigerian youth.
Read More: Biden calls for violence to end in Nigeria after SARS fires at protesters
The letter was signed by the chair of the CBC, Karen Bass.
Buhari addressed the citizens of Nigeria today and did not accept responsibility for the killings of protesters on behalf of the government, or show support for the movement.
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