Kenyan, Ugandan activists allege sexual torture in Tanzania
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire allege they were abducted, tortured, and sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security officers in May 2025. The pair had traveled to Dar es Salaam to attend the court hearing of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, charged with treason. They were snatched from their hotel, blindfolded, and subjected to abuse before being abandoned near their respective borders. Mwangi recounted being stripped, beaten, and sexually violated, with threats of releasing footage if he spoke out. Atuhaire described a similar treatment.
Both have now filed complaints against Tanzanian authorities. The Tanzanian government has not responded to these allegations. These incidents have intensified concerns over political repression in Tanzania ahead of the October elections, with international bodies like Amnesty International and the European Parliament expressing alarm.
Media Comparisons:
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Reuters: Provided detailed accounts of the activists’ allegations, highlighting the lack of response from Tanzanian authorities and the broader context of political repression in Tanzania. (reuters.com)
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BBC: Focused on Mwangi’s activism history, noting his previous arrests and the public outcry following his detention. (bbc.co.uk)
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The Guardian: Discussed the Tanzanian government’s increasing censorship and repression tactics under President Hassan, including the suspension of news websites and the arrest of opposition figures. (theguardian.com)
Political Reactions
- The European Parliament has expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania.
- The Tanzanian government has remained silent. President Samia Suluhu Hassan had previously told security forces “not to tolerate ill-mannered foreigners.”
- U.S. State Department expressed “grave concern” and emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights defenders across East Africa.
Sentiment -🔴
The overall sentiment of the story is strongly negative, with clear tones of fear, outrage, and condemnation