Abductions in Tanzania — Until When? LHRC Calls for Urgent End to Kidnappings and Enforced Disappearances

Dar es Salaam, 13 October 2025, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing cases of abductions and enforced disappearances across Tanzania, questioning: “Abductions — until when?”

In its latest statement, LHRC traces the disturbing trend of abductions from Tanzania’s post-independence history, noting that such incidents were virtually unheard of during the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi. However, starting from the fourth phase of government, under President Jakaya Kikwete, the nation began witnessing alarming cases — including the abduction and torture of Dr. Steven Ulimboka, the assault and killing of Professor Jwani Mwaikusa, and the attacks on journalists and political figures such as Saed Kubenea and Absalom Kibanda.

A Surge After 2016

According to LHRC, the frequency and intensity of abductions sharply increased after 2016. High-profile cases, including the disappearances of Ben Saanane and journalist Azory Gwanda, remain unresolved nearly a decade later. Similarly, the shooting of opposition leader Tundu Lissu has never been fully investigated.

“These incidents have normalized disturbing phrases like ‘unknown Assailants’ within our national vocabulary,” LHRC laments.

Recent Incidents Raise New Fears

The Centre highlights more recent cases such as the alleged abduction of CCM cadre and former MP Humphrey Polepole, as well as Daniel Nchonchorio (CCM delegate in Mwanza) and Siza Kaheta (CCM aspirant in Tarime). “If a senior political figure can be abducted without a trace, what does this mean for ordinary citizens?” LHRC asks.

Despite families’ repeated pleas to the police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, most cases have stalled without answers. Even court orders demanding thorough investigations remain unimplemented.

Police Response and Public Skepticism

In June 2025, following criticism from the UN Human Rights Council, the Tanzania Police Force issued a statement through spokesperson DCP David Misime, attributing many abductions to “personal motives” such as jealousy or superstition. However, LHRC notes that the statement ignored politically sensitive cases and failed to address key questions about victims such as Ally Kibao and Edger Mwakabela (“Sativa”).

The Rule of Law and Legal Gaps

LHRC reminds the government that the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) establishes the rule of law and grants only the judiciary the authority to decide a person’s fate. The organization warns that existing laws — particularly the Preventive Detention Act — continue to create loopholes that allow unlawful detention and abuse. Despite past recommendations from the Nyalali Commission (1993) and Othman Criminal Justice Commission (2022) to repeal such laws, reforms have yet to be implemented.

A Call for National Unity and Accountability

“Abductions have no place in our nation,” LHRC declares. “They breed fear, tarnish Tanzania’s international image, and erode public trust in state institutions.”

LHRC calls on the government to ensure transparency, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and dignity of every Tanzanian.

“As a nation, we must stand together and say — no more abductions!”

For the complete statement in Swahili, please download the official PDF version issued by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC). 📄 [Download Swahili Version (PDF)]