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Amnesty International has accused Tanzanian authorities of committing widespread and systematic human rights violations ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential elections, which have excluded key opposition candidates.
In a report released on Monday, the rights group said cases of enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings targeting opposition leaders and activists have intensified between January 2024 and October 2025.
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan, once praised for loosening the tight restrictions of her predecessor John Magufuli, now faces criticism from opposition groups and rights organizations as she seeks re-election in the October 29 polls.
The report, based on interviews with 43 individuals — including victims, witnesses, relatives, NGO representatives, and lawyers — highlighted a worsening climate of repression.
One notable case was that of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior official from the main opposition party Chadema, who was kidnapped and later found dead in September 2024. Despite an investigation being launched, Amnesty said no progress has been made.
Similarly, Humphrey Hesron Polepole, a former ambassador to Cuba and government critic, recently disappeared under unclear circumstances.
According to Amnesty’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, the government has intensified its crackdown on civic freedoms and political participation through “deeply flawed legislation.”
Chadema has been barred from participating in the elections for refusing to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct, while its leader Tundu Lissu remains on trial for treason — a charge that carries the death penalty.
Additionally, Luhaga Mpina, the presidential candidate for the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo) party, has been disqualified from running.
By: AFP
