The Afrikajom Center has publicly called for the urgent medical evacuation of former Comorian President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi, citing a critical deterioration in his health. According to a statement released on July 4, 2026, by the Dakar-based human rights organization, Sambi suffers from cardiac disorders, high blood pressure, severe asthenia, photophobia, and persistent back pain, necessitating immediate care abroad that has not yet been granted despite judicial recommendations.
Why is the medical evacuation of Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi stalled?
Although a medical evacuation has been recommended by both the former president’s physician, Dr. Said Ali Abdou, and a medical board appointed by the Comorian state, the decision remains unexecuted. According to Afrikajom Center, the legal proceedings against the former head of state—who has been detained since 2018—are based on an empty judicial file. Alioune Tine, founder of the center, has formally urged President Azali Assoumani to exercise his authority to facilitate the evacuation, characterizing it as a final measure to preserve the former leader’s life.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention officially labeled Sambi’s detention as contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as early as 2018.
How does international law view the detention of the former president?
The detention of Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi has faced repeated condemnation from international human rights bodies. In 2018, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that his deprivation of liberty violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. During the same year, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights determined that the state’s actions were in violation of the African Charter. Despite these findings, the Afrikajom Center reports that the status of his detention has remained unchanged.
What are the broader implications for human rights in the Comoros?
The Afrikajom Center argues that the case of the former president serves as a test for the respect of judicial decisions and international commitments of the Comoros. On Friday, July 3, 2026, Alioune Tine met in Dakar with legal counsel representing the former president, including Maîtres Said Larifou, Tisslame Sambi, and Mahamoudou Ahamada, alongside Bassirou Sy, President of MCA International. The group emphasized the critical nature of the situation.
Pro Tip: Monitoring International Human Rights Trends
To stay informed on similar cases, monitor the official portals of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which tracks arbitrary detention cases globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi detained?
Sambi has been held since 2018. The Afrikajom Center describes his detention as arbitrary and claims the associated judicial file is empty. - What is the current state of his health?
According to his doctor, Dr. Said Ali Abdou, Sambi suffers from cardiac disorders, high blood pressure, severe asthenia, photophobia, and persistent back pain. - What is the Afrikajom Center demanding?
The organization is calling for the immediate medical evacuation of the former president to a facility abroad to address his life-threatening health issues.
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