Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the murder of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition Chadema party, who was found dead after a violent attack.
Kibao, 69, was reportedly abducted from a bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga by suspected security agents. His body was discovered in Ununio, a district of Dar es Salaam, with signs of severe beating and acid burns, according to Chadema party chairman Freeman Mbowe. The preliminary post-mortem report confirmed these findings, indicating that Kibao was subjected to brutal treatment before his death.
President Hassan has reacted swiftly to the tragedy, ordering an immediate investigation into the murder. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), she emphasized the importance of democratic values and the right to life.
“Our country is a democracy, and every citizen has the right to live,” wrote President Hassan.
She has instructed investigation agencies to provide detailed information about the incident and similar cases promptly.
The killing has intensified fears among opposition groups and human rights organizations about a potential crackdown on political activities. This follows a recent trend of heightened tensions, including the arrest of Chadema leaders and a general increase in reports of abductions and violence against political figures.
Despite President Hassan’s efforts to lift restrictions on opposition activities and improve political freedoms since taking office in 2021, there are concerns that the country might be reverting to more repressive practices reminiscent of her predecessor, the late President John Magufuli. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have flagged these developments as troubling, especially with the upcoming 2025 presidential elections on the horizon.
The President’s administration faces pressure to ensure justice for Kibao and to address the broader issue of political violence. Mbowe has called for a judicial commission to thoroughly investigate not only Kibao’s killing but also other reported disappearances and attacks on opposition members.
As the investigation unfolds, the Tanzanian government is tasked with reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and safeguarding the rights of all citizens amidst growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
With input from Al Jazeera and BBC.
