A senior official from Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, was abducted and brutally beaten before being abandoned in a forest, the party revealed on Sunday. This comes just weeks after another party leader was abducted and murdered.
The attacks are raising concerns about the government’s treatment of political opponents, potentially tarnishing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reformist reputation. While the government denies claims of targeting opposition figures ahead of upcoming elections, rights groups suggest otherwise.
Aisha Machano, the women’s wing publicity secretary for CHADEMA, was reportedly abducted in Kibiti town while on duty. The party said local motorcycle taxi drivers found her in critical condition and rushed her to a hospital, where she underwent surgery.
CHADEMA stated that her abductors were seeking information regarding the burning of clothes provided by President Hassan during World Women’s Day in Kilimanjaro earlier this year.
Police confirmed an investigation is underway, asking the public to remain patient until further details emerge.
This incident follows the abduction and killing of another CHADEMA official, Ali Kibao, last month. His death sparked protests against the rise in abductions and violence against opposition figures, though these demonstrations were halted by police. President Hassan has since called for an inquiry into Kibao’s death and related cases.
