The Platform for African Democrats Condemns the Rendition and Arrest of Dr Kizza Besigye

Sign PAD's petition to the African Union. 

The abduction of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan liberation figure and opposition leader, from Nairobi and his subsequent detention in Uganda this week is profoundly shocking and is condemned unequivocally.

Dr. Besigye, a well-known and respected human rights advocate, has dedicated his life to advancing justice and freedom. His abduction and subsequent detention is a brazen violation of international law and human rights.

What is particularly concerning is that the rendition of Dr Besigye could only have taken place with the active or passive support and involvement of Kenya’s security forces, calling into question that country’s commitment to an open society.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Kizza Besigye. We demand that his family and his lawyers be given immediate access to him.

We request that the African Union, regional bodies, and the international community make similar calls for Dr Besigye’s immediate release. Their failure to do so places them firmly on the side of authoritarians and puts states and interests not people first in international relations.

Africa will never reach its true potential so long as such brazen violations of fundamental human rights occur. The apparent complicity between two neighbouring states indicates a worrying culture of growing authoritarianism which must be opposed.

The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) is a forum for debate and discussion on how to defend advance and protect democratic ideals in Africa.