The Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs has weighed in on the alleged abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, November 21, the body said circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping of Besigye must be clarified.
"We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures Kizza Besigye and Obed Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. It is important that the circumstances be clarified with transparency and full legal protections," the statement read.
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This comes barely a day after Idaho Senator James Risch criticized Kenya and Uganda following Besigye's abduction.
In a statement issued in his capacity as a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, November 20, he described the abduction as concerning.
Risch wondered why partners of the US would allow for such incidents that contravene international standards of human rights and the rule of law.
"Uganda’s abduction of an opposition leader in Kenya raises serious questions about important U.S. partners violating international norms like sovereignty, respect for human rights & the rule of law," the statement read in part.
The Bureau of African Affairs is a division of the US Department of State, established in 1958, that is responsible for formulating and implementing US foreign policy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The bureau is led by the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, currently Mary Catherine Phee, who advises the Secretary of State and coordinates diplomatic efforts across the continent.
One of the Bureau's primary roles is managing U.S. relations with African nations, ensuring that diplomatic ties are strengthened and maintained.
Additionally, the Bureau coordinates with other U.S. agencies on various issues, including health, security, economic development, and human rights, to create a comprehensive strategy for engagement in Africa.
