In a chilling sign of shrinking civic space in Guinea, a prominent political commentator and critic of the ruling military junta was abducted and tortured by state security agents, Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed in a new report.
Ousmane Kaba, a well-known analyst and outspoken critic of the transitional authorities, was reportedly seized from a Conakry street by men in plainclothes on June 8. He was held incommunicado for several days, during which he was beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and interrogated about his public commentary criticizing the junta’s governance.
“Abducting and torturing a critic sends a terrifying message to all dissenters,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, HRW senior Sahel researcher. “This assault reflects an intensifying crackdown on freedom of expression and political opposition in Guinea.”
A Pattern of Repression
Since seizing power in a 2021 coup, Guinea’s military authorities have repeatedly postponed the return to civilian rule. Over the past year, rights groups have documented the arbitrary arrest, detention, and harassment of journalists, activists, and opposition figures.
Kaba’s case is especially alarming given its blatant disregard for legal process and transparency. His abduction was never acknowledged by the state, and he was released without charge—battered and traumatized—after nearly a week of captivity.
Observers warn that such tactics are becoming routine tools of repression, aimed at silencing government critics and deterring public dissent.
Violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The abduction and torture of Ousmane Kaba, compounded by the authorities’ failure to investigate or hold perpetrators accountable, reflect multiple serious violations under the African Charter:
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Right to Liberty and Security of the Person (Article 6): The arbitrary detention and incommunicado holding of Kaba breached his right to liberty and protection from unlawful arrest.
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Right to Dignity and Protection from Torture (Article 5): The use of electric shocks, physical abuse, and degrading treatment constitute flagrant violations of the prohibition against torture and inhuman treatment.
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Right to Freedom of Expression (Article 9): Kaba was targeted explicitly for his public criticisms of the junta, violating his right to express opinions and disseminate information freely.
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Duty of the State (Article 1): Guinea’s transitional authorities have failed to uphold and enforce the Charter’s provisions, particularly by shielding security agents from accountability.
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Right to Non-Discrimination (Article 2): Targeting individuals based on their political views and public commentary undermines the Charter’s guarantee of equal rights regardless of opinion or status.
International Calls for Accountability
HRW is demanding an immediate, impartial investigation into Kaba’s abduction and the prosecution of those responsible. The organization also urges Guinea’s junta to end its systematic repression of dissent, restore civic freedoms, and return to constitutional governance.
“The Guinean government’s abuse of state power is a clear affront to regional and international human rights norms,” said Allegrozzi. “If left unchecked, it risks plunging the country deeper into authoritarianism and unrest.”
As the international community watches Guinea’s transition with increasing unease, the treatment of voices like Kaba’s could become a litmus test for whether the country will honor its commitments under the African Charter—or slide further into repression.
