Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has announced plans for mass protests in Dar es Salaam on September 23.
This comes after accusations against the government regarding the “killings and abductions” of party members.
Late Wednesday, Chadema’s leadership declared that they would take to the streets unless the authorities investigate recent disappearances and account for missing members, whether alive or deceased.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan had been seen as a beacon of democratic reform following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021.
Her administration eased restrictions on opposition and media, raising hopes for democratic progress.
However, recent events have raised concerns. Last month, several Chadema members were detained during a rally, and the weekend saw the death of Ali Mohamed Kibao.
Kibao, a member of Chadema’s national secretariat and former intelligence officer, was reportedly abducted, beaten, and attacked with acid.
Chadema’s leader, Freeman Mbowe, addressed party members on Wednesday, announcing plans for demonstrations to protect their lives and country.
“This time round, we are not joking,” Mbowe stated, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.
Mbowe revealed that five Chadema officials had recently gone missing. One official reappeared in court but was denied bail.
The Tanganyika Law Society reported that 83 individuals were kidnapped or went missing between 2016 and 2024.
Mbowe has demanded the resignation of Tanzania’s home minister, police, and intelligence heads over the disappearances.
Additionally, he has called for British police, specifically Scotland Yard, to investigate the alleged killings and abductions, suspecting Tanzanian security agents.
In response, President Hassan expressed “great sadness” over Kibao’s death and called for a thorough investigation.
“Our country is democratic, and every citizen has the right to live. The government I lead will not tolerate such acts of cruelty,” Hassan asserted.
