A prominent Tanzanian opposition figure, Ali Mohamed Kibao, was found dead over the weekend after being abducted by suspected security forces. The incident has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about the return of political repression in the East African nation.
Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer and member of the Chadema opposition party, was forced off a bus at gunpoint on Friday while traveling to the northern port city of Tanga. His body was later discovered in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
The US embassy in Tanzania called for an independent and transparent investigation into Kibao’s death, expressing deep concern over the recent spate of political violence and intimidation. The embassy emphasized that such actions have no place in a democracy and urged the Tanzanian government to uphold the rule of law.
Tanzania is scheduled to hold local elections in November and general elections next year, and the killing of Kibao has raised fears that the country may be reverting to the repressive policies of former President John Magufuli. While President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made efforts to relax restrictions on opposition rallies and media, recent crackdowns suggest that political freedoms may be eroding.
Hassan herself has condemned the murder of Kibao, calling it an “extremely grave incident” and ordering a thorough investigation. However, rights groups remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to justice, citing a history of impunity for attacks on opposition figures.