Written answers
Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Foreign Conflicts
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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417. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Lekki massacre in Lagos, Nigeria in which members of the Nigerian armed forces opened fire on peaceful End SARS protestors; if his Department will condemn the actions of the officers involved; the other action or position that has been taken with regard to the special anti-robbery squad in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36925/20]
Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Recent developments in Nigeria, including credible allegations of the use of excessive force against protesters, are of great concern, in particular the violence of 20 October in Lagos. Armed men in military-style attire fired towards a group of protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos, using live ammunition. The number of casualties remains unclear, but reports have claimed that at least 12 people were killed.
Ireland, together with the European Union, believes that it is essential that the events of 20 October are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held to account. This echoes the calls by UN Secretary General and the African Union for a speedy investigation and for an end to reported police brutality and abuses.
The protests, which took place in a number of cities including Abuja and Lagos, were in reaction to allegations of excessive use of force and abuses committed by a unit of the Nigerian police, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit. While the protests were largely peaceful, they came against a background of unrest.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announced on 12 October that the SARS police unit would be disbanded, one of the main requests made by protesters. However, it was perceived that the unit would continue under another name and the protests persisted, with wider calls for reform and an end to police violence and corruption. The Nigerian army has denied opening fire on civilians on 20 October.
President Buhari gave an Address to the Nation on 22 October, setting set out a number of steps his Government intends to take, including: the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry; the establishment of human rights complaint mechanisms; and the establishment of a fund for the compensation of victims. I look forward to the timely implementation of these potentially significant measures, which have helped calm the situation.
The Embassy of Ireland in Abuja continues to monitor developments actively on the ground and, working closely with our EU partners, to engage with the Nigerian authorities.
Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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418. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to ensure the safety of all Irish citizens that reside in Ethiopia in view of the escalation in tensions between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36995/20]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that we are closely monitoring the situation in Ethiopia through the Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa. Our Embassy officials are working with the local authorities and EU partners on the ground, including the EU delegation, to communicate with EU citizens in the region, including any affected Irish citizens. Telecommunication in the region has been impacted and, as the Deputy will be aware, this can hinder communication with citizens. Nevertheless evacuation planning is already underway.
The Department’s Travel Advice for Ethiopia has also been updated, including advice to avoid all travel to Tigray region and the Tigray border areas where conflict has been reported.
As with all cases relating to Irish citizens in distress overseas, we stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance where required, and I would encourage any affected citizens to contact our Embassy in Addis Ababa where possible.
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