In a February 2025 interview, the families of Frik and Peter shared the ongoing emotional and psychological toll of their loved ones’ arbitrary detention in Equatorial Guinea, now extending beyond two years. Each day brings the same unanswered questions about their well-being, compounded by the frustration of seeing international rulings—such as the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s declaration that their imprisonment is unlawful—continue to be ignored. Despite their pain, the families remain resolute, channeling their frustration into advocacy and urging stronger diplomatic efforts. With time running out, they call on world leaders, activists, and the public to amplify their voices and demand immediate action to secure Frik and Peter’s release.

How are the families coping with Frik and Peter’s prolonged arbitrary detention?

Every day is a struggle. It has been over two years of pain, uncertainty, and unimaginable stress. We wake up every morning with the same questions: “Are Frik and Peter still ok?” and “Will today be the day they are finally freed?”  The emotional toll is immense, not just on us but on Frik and Peter as well. Their physical and mental health is deteriorating fast, and the lack of communication makes it even harder. Despite the pain, we have no choice but to stay strong and keep fighting for their release.

How do you deal with and overcome frustration when things don’t seem to move forward?

The frustration is overwhelming, especially when we see clear international rulings and government resolutions calling for their release, yet no real action is taken. In July 2024 the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared their arrest and ongoing detention unlawful.  We thought this would be a catalyst for their release, but it has been all but ignored.  We channel our frustrations into action. We push harder, raise more awareness, and keep pressuring the authorities. The support from thousands of people who have signed the online petition reminds us that we are not alone, and that there are millions of people around the world that are deeply concerned about human rights violations, and that keeps us going.

How do you stay hopeful and lift their spirits?

Hope and prayers are the only things that keep us moving forward. Every call with Frik and Peter (there have only been 8 with Frik and 10 with Peter over the past two years), no matter how brief, is a moment to remind them that they are not forgotten, and they are deeply loved. We share messages from supporters and stories from home to give them strength. Hearing their voices on the other end of a telephone line, however brief and infrequent, is a big relief for us, and inspires us to fight even harder for their freedom.  

What are the toughest parts and main challenges of trying to free Frik and Peter?

One of the biggest challenges is the lack of decisive diplomatic action. Despite the UN ruling, the South African Parliament’s resolution, and extensive local and global media coverage, Frik and Peter remain imprisoned. Another challenge is access, communication with them is rare, and their prison conditions are extremely harsh. We also struggle with getting consistent government engagement. The fight for their release requires relentless advocacy, but we won’t stop until they are free.

Are you getting the support you need from organizations, the media, and others? How could they help more?

We have received incredible support from Frik and Peter’s employer, SBM Offshore, who has provided continuous support and relentless commitment to securing their freedom.  We are also grateful for the support from human rights organisations, advocacy groups, and the media, but we need more sustained and urgent pressure. Governments respond to public and media pressure, so continued coverage and advocacy are crucial. We need global leaders, activists, and the international community to amplify our calls for their release. Every voice matters in this fight.

How frequently do the families talk to them? How are they holding up?

Communication has been extremely limited. In two years, we’ve had only 8 calls with Frik and 10 calls with Peter. They are holding on, but their health, both mental and physical, is suffering. They have missed major life events, including the funerals of loved ones. In some cases, they don’t even know about these heartbreaking losses. They are exhausted and desperate for justice, as more than two years of their lives have been stolen from them.  

Are there any updates on what the South African Government is doing to free Frik and Peter, especially as SA’s Foreign Minister recently traveled to Equatorial Guinea and raised their cases with his counterpart?

We acknowledge that the South African Minister of International Relations has raised their case in Equatorial Guinea, but unfortunately neither the Minister nor his Department have given us any direct feedback as yet.  We need urgent and sustained diplomatic action, not just from South Africa, but also from the UK Government (Peter is a dual UK / SA citizen). Talking is not enough, Frik and Peter need to come home. We expect Minister Ronald Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as Minister David Lammy, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs for the United Kingdom, to take concrete steps to secure their immediate release. The South African and UK governments have a duty to protect and preserve the human rights of their citizens, and time is running out.

The SA Parliament also called for Frik and Peter’s release. What do you think the main obstacles are in securing their freedom?

One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of strong diplomatic pressure on Equatorial Guinea. On 23 October 2024, the South African Parliament unanimously passed a motion expressing its support for Peter and Frik’s families and calling on the South African authorities to take urgent action to secure the men’s release.  We need the government to follow through on this motion and take urgent action. The UK government also needs to do more for Peter as a UK citizen. We cannot allow bureaucracy and diplomatic hesitation to cost Frik and Peter their freedom.

Is there anything else you would like to share or talk about?

Yes – we are running out of time. Every day that Frik and Peter remain imprisoned is another day of suffering.  It is also another day that their lives are placed at risk. We urge the South African and UK governments to do everything in their power to bring them home now. We call on Chevron and Exxon Mobil, which were the clients that Frik and Peter were assigned to for their work in Equatorial Guinea, to take decisive action to secure their release and to uphold their corporate human rights commitments and values, and we call on the public to keep signing and sharing the petition, to raise their voices, and to stand with us.

Frik and Peter’s case is a clear violation of human rights. They are fathers, brothers and grandfathers.  They are law abiding citizens who are being used as political pawns in a dispute between two countries.  They are innocent. They have suffered enough. The world must act before it is too late.