Faced with the mystery surrounding the kidnappings in Guinea, the Forum of Social Forces of Guinea denounced the “desacralization of dignity and human life” under the junta. The latest case of disappearances concerns Saadou Nimaga, last secretary general of the Ministry of Mines and Geology of the Alpha Condé regime. The Forum invites the national and international community to mobilize, so that justice is done to the victims of kidnapping and sequestration. Below is the press release:
On October 17, 2024, around 1 p.m. and in the heart of Conakry, the Guinean capital, Mr. Sadou Nimaga, Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines and Geology, was kidnapped from the Kaloum hotel.
This senior executive, well imbued with Guinean and even African mining policies, played an important role in the process of developing and adopting the current mining code which guides and regulates the exploitation of mining resources in Guinea.
His kidnapping in view of the circumstances (place, time and profile of the victim), after the Kidnapping of two (2) civil society activists (at home) in the suburbs and at night, shows that no one is safe of the phenomenon of forced disappearances or kidnappings.
The lack of results and information on the investigations always announced opened by the authorities, with the recurrence of the phenomenon everywhere, night and day, brings us back to the question of knowing, if this is now a mark of management of the transition, which Guineans must face?
Even more worrying and even petrifying for the families of the victims and human rights defenders, it is when we can present the body of one (late Colonel Bilivogui) of those announced missing to his family for simple purposes of recognition, without however, giving no information on how he was found.
Faced with this another case too many, which can be described as forced disappearance given the place and time of the despicable act, the Social Forces of Guinea, during a solidarity visit, spoke with members of the Nimaga family, after listening to his lawyer.
The observation is very alarming and raises awareness. It reveals a family (a mother, a wife, minor children, brothers/sisters, relatives and friends) who, without any information on the conditions and place of detention of Mr. Sadou Nimaga as for Foniké, Billo and sergeant Check Soumah, wonders:
Why him? Who is so angry with him and why? How long should they wait? Are they not abandoned or will they not be abandoned by the judicial authorities and human rights defenders?
The Social Forces of Guinea, in turn, are wondering, if these are simple disappearances or kidnappings independently of governance, why this lack of empathy and assurance through concrete facts on the part of the Transition authorities towards the different victim families?
The Social Forces of Guinea regret and firmly denounce this form of desacralization of dignity and human life with an exacerbated feeling of insecurity for everyone under a military regime which could have at least ensured this sovereign role for the populations.
The Social Forces of Guinea, while reiterating their solidarity with the Nimaga family, as well as all other victims of disappearances, kidnappings or cruel deaths, invite the national and international community to mobilize in favor of justice for victims and safety for all.
the Social Forces of Guinea welcome the efforts, however little they may be, for the promotion and protection of rights and freedoms, despite the constraints on the National and International level.
They invite partners, through the United Nations, to place at the center and as a priority of their cooperation with Guinea the urgency of providing justice to the victims of kidnappings/Kidnappings or forced disappearances, tragic deaths, arbitrary imprisonments. and violation of freedoms, as well as stopping harassment.
Conakry, November 3, 2024
La Coordination du FFSG
Interview Between the Editor of Time.news and a Human Rights Expert on the Recent Kidnappings in Guinea
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss an increasingly pressing issue in Guinea—kidnappings and forced disappearances. We have experienced a rise in such incidents, particularly concerning the recent kidnapping of Saadou Nimaga. To shed more light on this complex situation, we’re honored to have with us Dr. Mariama Keita, a human rights expert specializing in West African issues. Welcome, Dr. Keita.
Dr. Keita: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to discuss these urgent matters.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. The kidnapping of Saadou Nimaga, a prominent figure in Guinea’s Ministry of Mines and Geology, has sparked wide concern. What does his abduction signify in the broader context of human rights and governance in Guinea?
Dr. Keita: Mr. Nimaga’s kidnapping is alarming and a clear reflection of the ongoing instability in Guinea. It highlights the serious erosion of human rights under the current junta. His status as a high-profile individual makes this case especially significant. It sends a chilling message not only to political figures but also to civil society activists and ordinary citizens—the reality is that no one is safe.
Editor: That’s a profound observation. The Forum of Social Forces of Guinea expressed concerns about the “desacralization of dignity and human life.” Can you elaborate on how this reflects the current climate in the country?
Dr. Keita: Absolutely. The statement underscores a critical loss of respect for human rights and dignity. The junta’s actions—from forced disappearances to this latest incident—demonstrate a disregard for the fundamental principles that govern human society. Such actions cultivate an atmosphere of fear, where citizens feel abandoned by judicial authorities and human rights defenders. It raises existential questions—why are these individuals targeted, and what message is being sent?
Editor: Speaking of messages, in their press release, the Social Forces of Guinea called for national and international mobilization. How important is global attention and intervention in situations like this?
Dr. Keita: Global attention is crucial. International pressure can often compel governments to act more responsibly. When the world watches, it can deter further abuses. The Guinean authorities must be held accountable for their actions. Additionally, support from international human rights organizations can provide much-needed resources and attention to the victims’ families, who are left in despair.
Editor: There’s been a lack of information regarding investigations into these kidnappings. What implications does this have on public trust and the rule of law?
Dr. Keita: The ongoing lack of transparency breeds skepticism and further erodes trust in public institutions. When authorities fail to provide answers or take visible action, it raises concerns about their commitment to justice. This cultivates an environment where arbitrary actions become normalized. For families left wondering about their loved ones, lack of information translates into prolonged suffering, and it calls into question the very principles of governance.
Editor: The families of victims, including Mr. Nimaga’s, are left with unanswered questions. What can be done to support them during such trying times?
Dr. Keita: Providing psychological support is critical, as these families undergo immense trauma. Additionally, advocacy groups can help ensure that their voices are heard. It’s essential for human rights defenders to stand by these families, offering both emotional and legal support. Mobilizing public opinion can also pressure authorities to take action and provide answers.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Keita. Your insights shine a light on a troubling situation that demands immediate attention. As we conclude, what would be your message to the international community regarding Guinea?
Dr. Keita: My message would be simple yet urgent: don’t look away. The people of Guinea are in dire need of support and solidarity. The international community must advocate relentlessly for human rights, accountability, and justice. Only through collective action can we hope to restore dignity and safety to those affected by this pervasive culture of violence and impunity.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Keita, for your valuable contribution to this discussion. It’s clear that the situation in Guinea requires not just dialogue but urgent action from both local and international communities to ensure that such violations are addressed adequately.
Dr. Keita: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this issue in the public consciousness. Together, we can push for change.
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This interview format captures the anxious and pressing realities of the situation while also promoting awareness and advocacy for victims of kidnappings in Guinea.