The Pan-African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who reportedly disappeared in Nairobi on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Dr. Besigye’s sudden disappearance has sparked allegations of a coordinated abduction involving Kenyan and Ugandan authorities, prompting widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and political leaders across the region.
Dr. Besigye was last seen being dropped off at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi for a scheduled meeting. A taxi driver, who waited for him in the parking area from 4:30 PM until early Sunday morning, reportedly received no response to his calls or messages. His disappearance was further underscored by his failure to appear at the book launch of Martha Karua, the network’s convener, on Sunday, November 17. The event was to feature Dr. Besigye as a guest speaker, raising immediate alarms among his family and colleagues.
In a strongly worded statement, Karua condemned the incident as a grave violation of international law and human rights, suspecting that Ugandan authorities, with facilitation from Kenyan counterparts, orchestrated Dr. Besigye’s abduction. “This does not bode well for our safety as East Africans when we visit Jumuia countries,” she said, referencing obligations under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.
A Troubling History of Cross-Border Abductions
This latest incident echoes previous cases of alleged cross-border abductions in East Africa. In July 2024, 36 Ugandans affiliated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) were reportedly detained in Kisumu, Kenya, and forcibly transported to Uganda, where they were subjected to torture and denied due process. Karua highlighted these incidents as part of a worrying trend of state-sponsored abductions in the region.
“These abductions from Kenyan soil, followed by illegal detention in other countries, reflect a blatant disregard for the principle of non-refoulement,” Karua said, referencing international law prohibiting the forced return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution or harm. She also pointed to the recent forced return of Turkish refugees from Kenya as another example of this troubling practice.
Calls for Accountability and International Action
The network has demanded accountability from Kenyan security agencies, particularly the National Police Service, for Dr. Besigye’s disappearance. They also urged both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to adhere to domestic and international human rights laws. Karua criticized the pattern of cross-border operations conducted without transparency or legal justification, questioning why governments would resort to abductions rather than formal legal processes.
“Why would governments connive to abduct their citizens across borders when they have the opportunity to make a formal arrest at home?” she asked. The network has escalated the matter to international bodies, including the African Union, the East African Community, and the United Nations, seeking immediate intervention to prevent further violations.
Implications for Regional Stability
The timing of Dr. Besigye’s disappearance, coupled with his history as a vocal critic of the Ugandan government, has heightened tensions within the region. Observers have expressed concerns that such incidents undermine trust in the principles of the East African Community, which promotes free movement and cooperation among member states.
“This does not augur well for regional integration or the safety of opposition figures and activists within East Africa,” Karua emphasized.
The Pan-African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network concluded its statement with a firm demand for Dr. Besigye’s release and an end to what it described as “inhuman and illegal practices informed by intimidation, malice, and impunity.”
As pressure mounts on Kenyan and Ugandan authorities, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust protections for political leaders and citizens within East Africa’s evolving political landscape.
