/ / EQUATORIAL GUINEA: RISK OF TORTURE FOR DETAINED MEN UNLAWFULLY REMOVED BY ICE

EQUATORIAL GUINEA: RISK OF TORTURE FOR DETAINED MEN UNLAWFULLY REMOVED BY ICE

UA: 95.26

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On September 11, the Equatorial Guinea authorities unlawfully arrested Ahmed Soliman and Samson Birhane, accusing them of “breaking a mirror” at a hotel in Malabo, where the two had been arbitrarily held since they were unlawfully removed by the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea earlier this year. Police officers covered the two men’s heads with a bag and beat them in their heads, backs, and ribs. Amnesty International believes that police officers targeted them in reprisal for reporting the authorities’ violent threats to coerce them to agree to return to their countries of origin. Since then, the two men have been held in an overcrowded police cell, in inhumane conditions, unable to speak to their lawyer.

The authorities must immediately release them, inform them of any charges against them, and allow them unimpeded access to counsel.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 18, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Equatorial Guinean authorities
Send an email to the Equatorial Guinean Vice President using our email-writing tool
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by March 18, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Dear Vice-President,

I am extremely concerned about the unlawful imprisonment of Ahmed Soliman, an Egyptian national, and Samson Birhane, from Eritrea, and the risk that they may be tortured. Amnesty International believes that they were arrested as a reprisal for reporting the treatment and threats they are receiving at the hands of the authorities of Equatorial Guinea.

On September 11, 2026, police officers arrived at the Hotel Bamy, where the two men and dozens of others have been arbitrarily held since their transfer from the U.S., as part of the U.S. policy of third country removals. They targeted Ahmed Soliman and Samson Birhane, covered their heads, beat them in their heads, backs, and ribs, and arrested them, accusing them of “breaking a mirror”. Ahmed Soliman and Samson Birhane were previously granted protection from refoulement to their countries of origin by U.S. immigration courts. Despite this, police officers and guards in Equatorial Guinea have subjected them to repeated threats to force them to accept returning to their countries of origin. Neither of the two men can be returned to their countries of origin, as it would not be safe for them.

I urge you to ensure Ahmed Soliman and Samson Birhane are immediately released, informed of any charges against them, and allowed unimpeded access to counsel. I also urge you to stop the threats and intimidation to coerce anyone transferred from the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea to agree to return to their country of origin; and refrain from any reprisals against individuals for reporting and protesting their treatment in the country.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

@teonguema must release Ahmed Soliman and Samson Birhane, provide access to lawyers, and end threats against people transferred from the U.S. to Equatorial Guinea. No one should be coerced into returning to a place where they are unsafe #UrgentActionNetworkAIUSA

Send a Tweet to @teonguema

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue

Vicepresidente de Guinea Ecuatorial

Vicepresidencia de Guinea Ecuatorial

Zona Administrativa Malabo ll

Malabo, Guinea Ecuatorial

[email protected] @teonguema

and

CC: Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in the U.S.

His Excellency Dr. Crisantos Obama Ondo

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

2020 16th St NW

Washington, DC 20009

[email protected] [email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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