Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups, and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, known as the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/53/144, we recognize the collective efforts needed to create an environment free from fear, persecution, harassment, intimidation, killing, and enforced disappearances of those who take daily risks to defend and protect the most vulnerable in our societies.
On the eve of December 10, 2024, many human rights defenders remain in jail or have been missing for months or even years. Their families struggle to survive, uncertain whether their loved ones will ever be released, return home and live in dignity. The most distressing situation is the perpetual physical and mental agony over missing and unaccounted individuals, as their families live in constant fear and anxiety, not knowing whether their relatives are alive or dead. No one should have to endure such conditions.
Unfortunately, this is the situation that the families of the activists Oumar Sylla, alias Foniké Mangué, and Billo Bah from Guinea have been living in since July 9, 2024. They were kidnapped from Foniké Mangué's home in front of family members. His sister, who was present that evening, claimed that the men who took them were members of the government’s special forces, all armed. Since then, no one knows where the abducted individuals are. The anxiety and endless fear of the unknown continue to burden their families.
Similarly, in Zambia, the recent arrest and prolonged detention of journalist Thomas Zgambo by the Zambia Police Service is a clear attempt to silence independent media and stifle freedom of expression. Additionally, the unjustified prolonged detention of Luanshya-based brothers Ernest Kaumba and Elijah Kaumba, who were in police custody for about 2 months without being presented before a court, is a matter of concern for human rights defenders.
In Tanzania, political activist Freeman Mbowe, the leader of the opposition party Chadema, has faced harassment and intimidation, including arrest and charges of terrorism-related offenses. The use of state security apparatus to silence dissenting voices is a clear violation of human rights and a threat to democratic governance. These are just a few examples of the challenges human rights defenders across Africa face today due to intolerance and efforts to permanently silence them.
Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA) members urge the Guinean authorities to take all necessary steps to locate and release Oumar Sylla and Billo Bah. We call on them to uphold freedom of the press and cease the crackdown on journalists. We also demand that the Zambian and Tanzanian authorities abide by the rule of law and adhere to legal processes, principles, and rights in line with human rights standards enshrined in legally binding international instruments.
On International Human Rights Day, we urge these governments to uphold human rights by ending the harassment, intimidation, and detention of activists, journalists, and opposition leaders. We call for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their rights. DSA stands in solidarity with the victims.
