The arrest of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Kenya has raised alarm over escalating cross-border crackdowns on dissent in East Africa.
Political scholar Ssebastian Byengabo warns that the region is becoming increasingly unsafe for critics of ruling regimes, as governments appear to collaborate in suppressing opposition figures.
Besigye, founder of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), was reportedly abducted while attending a book launch in Nairobi hosted by Kenyan opposition politician Martha Karua.
Hours later, he was transported to Uganda and brought before the General Court Martial on undisclosed charges.
Byengabo described the incident as a troubling development in regional politics.
"Arresting opposition figures in foreign countries signals growing reciprocity among regimes, where leaders expect mutual support in silencing dissent across borders," he said.
This marks the latest in a series of controversial actions targeting Ugandan opposition members in Kenya.
Four months ago, 36 members of Besigye's PFF were arrested in Nakuru, deported to Uganda, and charged with treason.
Critics argue these actions erode trust in cross-border relations and undermine the East African Community's (EAC) role as a promoter of regional integration.
Byengabo cautioned that such incidents could destabilize cooperation and set a dangerous precedent for political repression.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Kenya, traditionally viewed as a safe haven for political exiles, is facing growing criticism for its role in these incidents.
Human rights groups have called for greater scrutiny, urging regional bodies to protect the rights of political dissidents and prevent governments from exploiting cross-border ties to stifle opposition.
Besigye, a long-time critic of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, has endured numerous arrests and legal battles over his political activism. His recent ordeal has sparked condemnation from across East Africa, with observers linking it to a broader trend of regional crackdowns on dissent.
"East Africa is at a crossroads," Byengabo noted. "If governments continue to prioritize political suppression over democratic values, the region's commitment to human rights and integration will falter."
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of opposition leaders in a region grappling with challenges to democracy and governance.
It underscores the urgent need for accountability and a reaffirmation of the principles that underpin the EAC, particularly the protection of human rights.
