LHRC mourns Akwilina, calls for government’s accountability

Legal and Human Rights Centre joins the Tanzanian community and human rights defenders all over the world to sturdily condemn the shooting and ruthless killing of the university student named Akwilina Akwilin in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam on Friday, February 16, 2018. Legal and Human Rights Centre received the news with disbelief until when the police force admitted early on Saturday that the girl who was a first-year university student at the National Institute of Transport was shot while in a bus after Police fired warning shots to disperse supporters of the main opposition party CHADEMA from peaceful demonstration to the local Electoral Commission office a day before the parliamentary by-election in Kinondoni constituency.

Reports suggest that CHADEMA supporters were marching to the Kinondoni District Executive Director office to demand the accreditation of its election observers a day before the parliamentary by-election in the constituency.

LHRC condemns the brutal incidence that has claimed the life of the innocent student and calls for the government to take stern measures against responsible police officers. LHRC appeals the government to take accountability measures against the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Inspector General of the Police (IGP) and Kinondoni District Executive Director for constant failure to administer rule of law in the country.

Furthermore, LHRC appeals to the National Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance to establish an independent body for the investigation of the Akwilina’s death.

Our hearts are with the family and the nation in mourning such an appalling loss of an innocent soul.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, Amen.

#RIPAkwilina