Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-27 12:07:36
The arrest of Mr. Abubakar Boxx Konteh, the APC Organizing Secretary for the Northwest Region of Sierra Leone in Guinea, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the opposition party. Lansana Dumbuya, the National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), issued a statement criticizing the actions of the Bio-led SLPP government and demanding clarification on the whereabouts of Konteh and other party members who were arrested.
The statement by the APC expressed deep concern over the arrest of Konteh and other party members in Guinea, allegedly at the behest of the SLPP government. The party characterized the arrests as part of a broader effort to suppress and harass opposition members, reflecting a troubling trend of political intolerance within the country.
Since Konteh’s arrest on March 23, 2024, his family and lawyers have had no contact with him, and the Sierra Leonean authorities in Guinea have not provided any information regarding his whereabouts or allowed access to him in custody. This lack of transparency and denial of due process rights were highlighted as violations of constitutional and human rights.
The APC called on the SL government to provide clarity on the situation and ensure the release of Konteh and other detained party members. The party emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and political freedoms in the country, criticizing the SLPP government for undermining the Agreement for National Unity intended to promote cooperation between ruling and opposition parties.
The statement also appealed to the government of Guinea to intervene and uphold the rights and freedoms of Sierra Leoneans within its borders in accordance with regional and international law. The APC reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, condemning the use of state power to target individuals based on their political beliefs.
The party urged the international community and human rights organizations to monitor the situation in Sierra Leone and Guinea and advocate for the respect of democratic principles and the immediate release of detained party members. Despite the challenges faced, the APC vowed to continue working towards a better Sierra Leone where freedom, justice, and democracy are upheld for all citizens.
On social media, the opposition APC leader in Parliament, Abdul Kargbo MP, added his voice to the calls for Konteh’s immediate release, emphasizing unity within the party in demanding justice for their detained colleague.
Overall, the APC’s statement highlighted concerns about the erosion of democratic values and political freedoms in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human rights in the face of political repression and intimidation. The party’s determination to uphold the principles of democracy and work towards a more inclusive and just society for all citizens was a central theme of their message.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
