Following a formal letter addressed to the Guinean Ambassador to Sierra Leone, the All Peoples Congress (APC) party of Sierra Leone has expressed deep concern over the recent detention of Mr. Abu Bakarr Boxx Konteh and others in Guinea. Mr Konteh, a Regional Organising Secretary of the APC, sought refuge in Guinea to escape political persecution by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.

The APC, in their letter dated March 29th, 2024, emphasises the need for fair legal representation and protection of human rights for Mr. Konteh and others detained. They assert that unless concrete evidence is presented, Mr Konteh’s right to remain in Guinea as a place of safety should be staunchly defended.

The letter also references Guinea’s historical legacy of providing sanctuary to those threatened by political unrest, echoing the sentiments expressed by Guinea’s head of state, General Mamadou Doumbouya, at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The APC requests a meeting with the Guinean Ambassador to discuss Mr Konteh’s situation and provide their perspective on the case.

Furthermore, the APC urges the Guinean authorities to prioritize this matter with urgency and kindness, emphasising the importance of open communication and mutual respect in finding a resolution that upholds the values of both nations.

In addition to the Guinean Ambassador, a copy of the letter was sent to Maitre Lancine Sylla, the legal representative in Guinea for Abu Bakarr Boxx Konteh.

The APC awaits a positive response from the Guinean authorities and anticipates the opportunity to engage in diplomatic dialogue to address the urgent matter at hand.