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On Sunday, September 8, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan strongly condemned the murder of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior figure in the opposition party Chadema. Kibao, 69, was kidnapped, beaten, and had acid poured on him, according to a post-mortem report.
Kibao was abducted on Friday while traveling by bus from Dar es Salaam to his hometown of Tanga. Witnesses reported that he was forced off the bus by suspected security agents. Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s chairman, confirmed the brutal details of the attack and expressed concern over increasing political violence in Tanzania.
The President has called for a thorough investigation, stating on social media, “I have ordered the investigation agencies to bring me detailed information about this terrible incident and others like it as soon as possible. Our country is a democracy, and every citizen has the right to live.”
The killing has sparked widespread outrage. Hundreds of mourners attended Mr. Kibao’s funeral in Tanga, where some people demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni, accusing the government of failing to address a growing trend of abductions and violence. Mr. Mbowe had to intervene to allow the minister to speak, urging the crowd to remain calm.
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has called for an “independent, transparent, and prompt investigation” into the murder, emphasizing that “murders, disappearances, and other acts of violence have no place in a democracy.” The embassy’s statement followed several reports of arrests, detentions, and incidents involving opposition members in recent months.
Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer, joined Chadema in 2008 and had been an active member ever since. His death comes amid growing fears that Tanzania may be returning to repressive practices seen under the late President John Magufuli, despite recent promises by President Samia to restore political freedoms.
Last month, Chadema leaders Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu were arrested after attempting to hold a youth rally. Police had banned the event, claiming it could incite violence. Other incidents, such as the imprisonment of an artist for allegedly burning an image of President Samia, have raised further concerns among rights groups.
Human Rights Watch has warned that the recent surge in arrests of opposition activists is a worrying sign ahead of the 2025 presidential elections, urging the government to respect democratic rights and protect all citizens.
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