Attention:
Swedish Parliament, Committee on Foreign Affairs (Riksdag, Utrikesutskottet)

Subject:
Protect Swedish citizen Christophe Sahabo detained in Burundi. Sweden must act now or tomorrow it might be too late!

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We call on the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) to ensure that the Government takes immediate consular action to protect Christophe Sahabo, a Swedish citizen detained in Burundi since April 1, 2022.

Christophe’s health has severely deteriorated during his detention. According to Amnesty International, his condition may be life-threatening and he has been denied adequate medical care.

Reports describe a medical collapse during court proceedings in 2024, followed by the violent removal of intravenous drips at the hospital by intelligence service agents, and his return to prison despite clear signs of serious illness.

In 2024, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs promised consular assistance and a visit to assess his wellbeing. Nearly fourteen months later, no visit or welfare assessment has taken place.

Sweden is bound by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to provide support and protection to detained citizens, especially when their life or health may be at risk.

We therefore ask the Swedish Government to
• Immediately secure a consular visit and medical assessment
• Explain why no consular visit has occurred since 2024
• Use all diplomatic and EU channels available to ensure his safety

Christophe’s life may depend on action taken now.

 
Key facts
April 1, 2022 — Christophe Sahabo detained in Burundi
2024 — Medical collapse reported during court proceedings
2024 — Swedish authorities promise consular visit
Today — No visit or medical assessment has taken place

Signatory family members :

• Ms Jeanine Sahabo-Nahimana, Avesta, Sweden
• Ms Eliane Sahabo, Uppsala, Sweden
• Mr Jean-Marc Sahabo, Oud-Turnhout, Antwerp, Belgium