* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Sombath Somphone, a community leader from Laos, was abducted four years ago, after being stopped by the police on the 15th of December 2012 in Vientiane, the Lao capital city, and whisked away from his family never to be heard from again. In my country of Switzerland, the police call for the public to provide information on the person gone missing.
But not in Laos, where people are told not to ask questions. In other countries, police would welcome any help. Not in Laos, where offers of assistance from the US, Singapore and some European States have been systematically turned down. In many countries, citizens and media are encouraged to spread the word. Not in Laos, where even small posters have been torn down and special authorization is required to put a notice in the newspaper.
Sombath’s abduction was caught on CCTV camera. Yet, despite all the evidences at hand, four years of a so-called investigation have brought no result. When a government fails to seriously investigate a case, it becomes complicit by protecting the perpetrators. The Lao regime is guilty of making impunity prevail, instead of restoring justice.
Who is Sombath? Why did this happen to him? Sombath is a friend and partner in action. I got to know Sombath while I was working in Laos, heading a development cooperation organization from 2009 to end of 2012, when I was expelled from the country just a week before his abduction. Sombath is a committed Lao citizen who dedicated his life to a better future for Laos. His generous and holistic vision goes far beyond what governments, investors, corporations and aid agencies can propose.
What Sombath believes in is not limited to an economic growth policy, a business plan, or a project proposal. Money alone cannot fulfill the cultural, environmental, and spiritual development that contribute to our well-being and dignity. For Sombath, happiness is about how human beings connect with one-another, with nature, with God.
These beliefs ran counter to the dominant model of development being implemented in Laos: “Turning Land into Capital.” However Sombath never organized any protest - which is forbidden in Laos - but he opened spaces for consultations. Sombath never criticized in a confrontational manner, but he engaged in a constructive way. Even with the most conservative old guard, indoctrinated politician, and narrow-minded donor, Sombath would always see the positive side of people and believe in the power of dialogue.
Having faith in the young generation, Sombath has been a passionate educator, always eager to learn. He has been a practitioner of sustainable development, living by his words, standing as a model through his action. This makes him strong. Stronger than politicians or development experts. It has earned him deep respect from a broad range of people in Laos and beyond.
This is why Sombath was targeted by those who are not ready for open dialogue, to listen to critics, to engage in positive changes. Those responsible for his abduction can only oppose authoritarianism and repression to a generous mind and great vision. Their only strategy is to impose silence and spread fear. But we will not keep quiet.
Dear Sombath, you stood up for those deprived of their rights, and spoke up for those who didn’t dare to do so in a country where words are not free. We stand up for you and will continue to speak out. For many, your disappearance is a wound that cannot heal. There is not a single day you don’t come to my mind, and you are in all of my prayers. Silence hurts. This is why I talk about you with my children, my colleagues, my friends. Together, we keep you alive.
Sombath, you are not alone. In Laos, other “Sombath” are promoting this vision of a fair and sustainable development. Teachers, farmers, monks, young men and women, all of those who had the privilege to learn from you are building on your legacy. Those continuing this struggle for a better future in this beautiful country deserve support and need to feel safe. This is why we will continue to ask “Where is Sombath?” until justice prevails. You will not be forgotten. Time will never defeat us.
More information on www.sombath.org and join FB page findsombatsomphone
Anne-Sophie Gindroz was Country Director for Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Laos from 2009 to 2012. She was expelled from Laos the week before Sombath Somphone’s disappearance. She has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian and development cooperation in Africa and Asia. Living in Indonesia, she is now working with the Rights and Resources Initiative, and is also developing an organic farm on the island of Lombok.
