In Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are illegal, LGBT people already live in fear. Now, false information about a new partnership deal with the European Union (EU) has increased hostility towards them.
The Samoa Agreement, signed by Nigeria in June, is a deal between the EU and 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This 403-page document doesn’t mention LGBT rights, but many Nigerians mistakenly believe it has legalized same-sex relationships.
The confusion started when Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper falsely claimed the deal forced countries to recognize LGBT rights to receive financial support.
Nigerian lawyer Ugo Egbujo clarified that international agreements cannot change Nigerian law without going through the National Assembly. Same-sex couples in Nigeria still face up to 14 years in prison under a law established in 2014.
The government said it signed the deal to boost economic development and would not compromise its anti-LGBT laws.
The Nigerian Bar Association also confirmed there is no requirement in the agreement for Nigeria to accept LGBT rights to receive a $150bn loan.
Despite these clarifications, opposition supporters have used the misinformation to attack the government, sparking debates on social media.
The false story has led to increased hate speech against the LGBT community. Bisola Akande, a senior programs officer for a local LGBT group, reported online attacks, forcing her organization to shut down its website.
Wise, a human rights group in Kano, also faced online attacks and had to protect its social media accounts. An official from Kano’s Hisbah police, who spoke in support of LGBT rights at a Wise event years ago, was arrested.
The controversy started with a November article by lawyer Sonnie Ekwowusi, who warned against signing the Samoa Agreement, calling it an “LGBT agreement.” The EU acknowledged that some African and Caribbean countries, including Nigeria, initially hesitated to sign due to concerns about LGBT issues. However, the agreement does not go beyond existing international agreements on these topics.
Despite this, Ekwowusi reignited the controversy by falsely claiming certain articles of the agreement legalized LGBT rights, abortion, and other issues. He admitted the agreement couldn’t override Nigerian law but suggested clearer definitions were needed.
The Samoa Agreement is a legal framework for relations between the EU and 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
It focuses on human rights, democracy, sustainable economic growth, climate change, and migration. The agreement replaces the previous Cotonou Agreement, which aimed to reduce poverty.
Source: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqv53ej2d33o