The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has mandated an inquiry into the kidnappings of political figures and critics of the government in anticipation of imminent political elections in the East African country. This decision was sparked by the recent kidnapping and killing of Ally Mohamed Kibao, a high-ranking official of the principal dissenting party, Chadema.
President Hassan charged investigation bodies to promptly create a comprehensive report on Kibao’s shocking incident along with other related cases. Kibao was reportedly taken from Tanzania’s trade hub, Dar es Salaam, by suspected covert armed officers on September 6th. Kibao’s corpse was later discovered discarded in a terrain on late Saturday night, with severe acid markings on his face, presumably to camouflage his identity, as stated by officials belonging to the opposition.
Numerous members of opposition leadership suspect President Hassan of reneging on her vows to bring about reforms, as national local government elections are approaching in November, with the general elections slated for the following year. Nonetheless, Hassan pledged her commitment to democracy and adamantly stated that her government won’t endure any acts of hostility committed against its people.
In a move to suppress violent demonstrations, the police apprehended hundreds of opposition leaders and their advocates at an unauthorised youth gathering in Southern Tanzania last month. Meanwhile, Freeman Mbowe, the chairman of Chadema, demanded a legal investigation into the claims of enforced vanishing of over 200 individuals nationwide in the past two years. Correspondingly, the Tanganyika Law Society has indicated it will initiate a nationwide conversation to address the unresolved kidnappings and killings of civilians.