In the dark of February 19, 2025, Abdoul Sacko, a distinguished civil society leader in Guinea, vanished from his home in Conakry. Gunmen stormed his residence, brutally assaulting him before abducting him in a license-free pick-up truck, sparking fears of an enforced disappearance. That evening, signs of torture marked Sacko’s reappearance, raising alarm among his supporters and sparking international concern.
Sacko, known for his opposition to Guinea’s military junta since their coup in 2021, heads the Guinean Social Forces’ Forum (FFSG), advocating for a return to constitutional order. His abduction shocked not only his community but caught the attention of the U.S. embassy, which called for an immediate investigation and condemned the rising detention of civil society members.
Colleagues reported that Sacko was found in critical condition, 100 kilometres from the capital and required urgent medical care. Furthermore, eight other FFSG members have recently filed a complaint after experiencing threats linked to their activism, highlighting the dangers faced by those opposing the junta’s rule.
Guinea’s military authorities have systematically targeted dissenters since taking power, resorting to enforced disappearances to maintain control. Various other opposition figures, including Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah, remain unaccounted for, while Col. Celestin Bilivogui’s body was discovered after his arrest, a grim reflection of the ongoing brutality.
The serious implications of Sacko’s torture call for immediate and decisive government action. Authorities must ensure that he receives proper medical treatment and that a thorough investigation is launched to address the horrendous violation of his rights and enhance protections for activists in Guinea.
Abdoul Sacko, a civil society leader in Guinea, was kidnapped and later resurfaced bearing signs of torture following an attack by gunmen. His abduction has drawn international attention as it underscores the oppressive tactics used by the military junta against dissenters. The urgency for investigation and medical care for Sacko is evident, as many activists continue to face threats in the country.
The abduction and torture of Abdoul Sacko highlight the perilous climate for civil society in Guinea, where military authorities have intensified their efforts to suppress opposition voices. With Sacko’s re-emergence after such brutality, the urgency for accountability and reforms is clearer than ever. It is imperative that international pressure prompts the Guinean authorities to act swiftly to protect their citizens, especially those advocating for justice and democracy.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
