LGBT individuals in Nigeria are already living in fear due to the illegality of same-sex relationships, and now misinformation surrounding a European Union partnership agreement has further fueled hostility towards the community. The Samoa Agreement, signed by Nigeria in June, is a cooperation deal between the EU and 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Despite the 403-page pact not mentioning LGBT rights or same-sex relationships, many Nigerians mistakenly believe that signing it automatically legalizes same-sex relationships.
The false claims spread quickly, with a Nigerian newspaper falsely alleging that the agreement mandated underdeveloped countries to recognize LGBT rights in exchange for financial support. However, Nigerian lawyer Ugo Egbujo clarified that international agreements cannot automatically change national laws without proper legislative processes. Despite these clarifications, opposition supporters have used the misinformation to attack the government and incite anger based on religious, ethnic, and political differences.
The LGBT community has faced increased hate speech and attacks following the spread of misinformation. Organizations supporting LGBT rights have been targeted online, with staff members facing harassment and threats. The false narrative has also led to arrests and backlash against individuals perceived to support LGBT rights, including a city official in Kano.
Concerns about the Samoa Agreement, particularly regarding LGBT issues, were raised by lawyer Sonnie Ekwowusi in an opinion article last November. While the EU acknowledged these concerns, the Nigerian government ultimately signed the agreement after reviewing its wording and finding it consistent with existing laws and commitments. However, critics like Ekwowusi continue to spread misinformation, misinterpreting clauses in the agreement to suggest a legalisation of LGBT rights, abortion, and other contentious issues.
Despite the backlash and controversy, the Nigerian government stands by its decision to sign the Samoa Agreement, emphasizing its commitment to economic development and adherence to national laws. However, the misinformation and misconceptions surrounding the agreement continue to fuel tensions and attacks against the LGBT community in Nigeria. “Define género, define igualdad de género, define salud sexual y reproductiva”, dijo el Sr. Ekwowusi.
¿Qué es el Acuerdo de Samoa?
Es un marco legal para las relaciones entre la UE, un importante proveedor de ayuda al desarrollo, y 79 miembros de la Organización de los Estados Africanos, Caribeños y del Pacífico (OACPS).
Establece principios comunes para alrededor de dos mil millones de personas en todo el mundo para abordar juntos los desafíos globales.
El respeto de los derechos humanos, los principios democráticos y el estado de derecho constituyen un elemento esencial del acuerdo, pero también abarca áreas como el crecimiento económico sostenible, el cambio climático y la migración.
El documento informativo de la UE admitió que en algunas áreas la redacción no cumplía “con las ambiciones de los negociadores de la UE”.
Reemplaza un acuerdo de asociación anterior de la UE – el Acuerdo de Cotonú – adoptado en 2000 que tenía como objetivo reducir y eventualmente erradicar la pobreza.
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