By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has stepped forward to condemn the abductions, torture and political harassment by Tanzanian authorities.
The Leaders in a statement released to the public, said that they have been disturbed by the recent press reports that has confirmed the brutal murder of one senior opposition leader in the Republic of Tanzania.
“We are deeply concerned and disturbed by recent developments in the Republic of Tanzania. Press reports which have been collaborated by other credible sources as well as the Chadema party of the Republic of Tanzania confirm the abduction, torture and brutal murder of a senior official of the Chadema Opposition Party Mr. Ally Mohammed KIBAO on Sunday the 8-9-2024,” reads the statement.
According to the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network police officers on August 12th 2024, used excessive force to stop the Chadema Youth League celebrations during the International Youth Day at Mbeya.
This was followed by the arrests of hundreds of youth, members and the leaders of the party, among then Hon. Tundu Lissu; Chadema vice chair Hon. John Mnyika, the party SG Hon. Joseph Mbilinyi and many other officials.
The Leaders further added that on the same day 12-8-2024, when the Chadema National Chairman Hon. Freeman Mbowe accompanied by the Chadema Youth Chair Hon. John Pambali travelled to Mbeya to follow up on the arrested party members, they were both arrested, on arrival at Songwe Airport while at the VIP lounge. Reports indicate that they were harassed and assaulted in the course of these unjustified arrests.
“We condemn the murder, abductions and all acts of political harassment of opposition leaders in the Republic of Tanzania. We call upon the government to uphold, respect and protect the Human Rights of its citizens who include the political opposition,” added the statement.
“We further call upon them to cease forthwith any further acts of political intimidation and to facilitate the enjoyment by the opposition and indeed all citizens, of their human rights and civil liberties.”
They highlighted that the General elections in Tanzania are just one year away and insisted that all parties will be free to transverse all corners of the republic and converse for votes.
The Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network also noted that the Republic of Tanzania is privileged to host the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights as well as the East African Community, and the East African Court of Justice, and thus ought to be in the forefront of upholding not just it’s constitution but also the ideals of these hallowed institutions.
The Leaders called for expeditious independent and transparent investigations to hold to account the culprits and forestall further acts of violation of rights.