Tyranny by law: When treason charges are a tool for muzzling political dissent

A Kenyan activist with placards at a protest in Nairobi demanding the release of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges.

Photo credit: Reuters

From Congo to Lesotho, African politicians are facing one of the gravest criminal charge: treason.

Rights groups warn that treason and national security charges are increasingly being used to sideline political rivals, suppress dissent and criminalise challenges, raising concerns over the rule of law and democratic space in Africa.