UNPO - UNPO Statement of Concern Regarding Cabinda Detentions

The UNPO expresses its sincere concerns on the recent detentions of human rights activists and members of the civil society in Cabinda, Angola.

These detentions follow the recent attacks on the Togo soccer team [January 8 2010], but rather appear to be in an effort to round up state critics. This indicates the deterioration of the human rights situation in the area.

Last week university professor Tatio Belchior, former police officer Pedro Fuca and Chevron employee Jose Zefarino Pauti were arrested on basis of accusations of crimes against state security. On Saturday [January 16 2010] lawyer Martinho Nombo was seized from his home, as was his colleague Francisco Luemba the next day. Priest Raul Tati, a government critic and vocal Human Rights activist, was also taken into custody on Saturday.

Human Rights Watch reportedly has evidence that civil society members are being detained systematically, and that there is a disturbing pattern of human rights violations carried out by Angolan armed forces and state intelligence officials.

The UNPO calls on the international community to publicly voice its concern over the manner in which political and civil actors continue to be arrested and detained in Cabinda, Angola, and urges for their release, as well as for the prevention of further detentions.