August 6th, 2024
For Immediate Release
The World Liberty Congress (WLC) urgently calls again for the immediate release of our colleague and elected Leadership Council member, Oumar Sylla, also known as Foniké Mengué, along with his colleague, Billo Bah, both leaders of the Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC). Their unjust detainment is a direct violation of international human rights standards and an affront to the principles of freedom and justice that we all hold dear.
On the night of July 9, 2024, and into the early hours of July 10, 2024, human rights defenders Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah were arrested in their homes by a heavily armed military group. The group, wearing balaclavas and some in civilian clothes, took them to the headquarters of the Police’s Judicial Investigations Department. On July 11, 2024, they were transferred to a special forces detention centre on the island of Kassa, where they reported being subjected to suffering, ill-treatment, and torture. They were neither informed of the charges against them nor allowed access to legal representation. Since then, we have not had any sign of life.
This arbitrary arrest occurred shortly after they had announced a citizens’ mobilisation to demand the reinstatement of withdrawn media channels and to protest the deteriorating living conditions in Guinea, amid an electricity crisis and other issues related to the Government’s transition plan.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea, advocating for their fundamental rights and freedoms. The WLC condemns any actions that undermine the human dignity and democratic aspirations of the Guinean people. We urge the responsible authorities to act swiftly and decisively to release our members and to ensure the protection and respect of human rights for all Guineans.
Join us in calling on President Mamady Doumbouya to release them immediately. As they champion the cause of freedom for all Guineans, it is imperative that their voices are not silenced. Freedom and justice are the bedrock of a thriving society. The World Liberty Congress remains committed to supporting the struggle for liberty and the protection of human rights globally.
