The All People’s Congress (APC) in a recent press release expressed deep concern over the arrest of Mr. Abubakar Boxx Konteh, the APC Organizing Secretary for the North West Region, along with other party members in Guinea.

The APC alleges that the arrests were carried out at the behest of the SLPP government under President Maada Bio, signaling a troubling trend of suppressing opposition voices.

Mr. Konteh, along with other detained party members, has been inaccessible to both family and legal representatives since their arrest on March 23, 2024. The Sierra Leonean authorities in Guinea have failed to disclose information regarding their whereabouts or provide access to legal counsel, raising serious concerns about their constitutional and human rights.

The APC condemns these actions as a blatant violation of democratic principles and political freedoms. The arrests are seen as a deviation from the Agreement for National Unity, which aimed to foster cooperation between ruling and opposition parties in Sierra Leone. The party emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic values and calls on the government to cease such unwarranted actions.

Furthermore, the APC urges the government of Guinea to intervene and ensure the protection of Sierra Leoneans within its borders, in accordance with regional and international law. The party reaffirms its commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and reconciliation for the political stability of Sierra Leone.

In light of these developments, the APC calls on the international community and human rights organizations to take note and advocate for the respect of democratic principles and the immediate release of the detained party members.

Despite the challenges, the APC remains resolute in its mission to serve the people of Sierra Leone and uphold democratic values, vowing not to be deterred by acts of intimidation.