A senior official of Tanzania’s opposition party, CHADEMA, was abducted, assaulted, and severely injured before being abandoned in a forest, the party reported on Sunday. This incident comes just a month after the abduction and murder of another party leader, raising concerns about the government’s treatment of political opponents.
These recent attacks may damage the reformist image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been praised for easing repression since taking office after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, three years ago. However, human rights activists accuse Hassan’s government of targeting opposition figures ahead of local elections in December and national elections in 2025, claims the government denies.
CHADEMA revealed that Aisha Machano, the women’s wing publicity secretary, was abducted in Kibiti while performing official duties. The party stated that her abductors questioned her about allegedly burning clothes distributed by President Hassan during the 2023 World Women’s Day celebrations. Motorcycle riders eventually found her in severe pain and poor health, and she was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, asking the public to remain calm while authorities gather evidence. This is the second recent case of abduction targeting CHADEMA officials. Last month, Ali Kibao, another CHADEMA member, was abducted and later found dead with signs of torture.
Protests organized by CHADEMA in response to these abductions have been prevented by police, though President Hassan has ordered an investigation into Kibao’s death and related cases.