Tanzania Leader Condemns Killing of Opposition Figure Doused in Acid

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the horrific killing of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition party, Chadema, who was abducted, beaten, and doused with acid in a shocking act of violence. On Friday, the 69-year-old opposition leader was reportedly forced off a bus by suspected security agents while traveling from Dar es Salaam to his hometown Tanga. A post-mortem revealed that Kibao had been "severely beaten and had acid poured on his face," according to Chadema’s chairman, Freeman Mbowe, who spoke to AFP. His death has sparked outrage among opposition figures and human rights organizations, who have been raising concerns over what they describe as a political crackdown in the country. President Samia condemned the "brutal acts" and called for a thorough investigation.

"I have ordered the investigation agencies to bring me detailed information about this terrible incident and others like it as soon as possible," she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She reaffirmed the nation's democratic values, stating, "Our country is a democracy, and every citizen has the right to live." Hundreds of mourners attended Kibao's funeral in Tanga, where tensions flared as people called for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni. Anger erupted when the minister attempted to address the crowd, with attendees shouting, "Where is the government? People are being abducted, and there is no action. Minister Masauni, resign!" Mr. Mbowe intervened during the event, urging mourners to allow the minister to finish his speech. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Tanzania expressed its support for an "independent, transparent, and prompt investigation" into Kibao's killing. Mbowe highlighted the growing danger faced by opposition leaders in Tanzania, stating, "We cannot allow our people to continue disappearing or being killed like this. The lives of Chadema leaders are currently at risk." Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, had played an active role in the party.

The killing of Kibao has sent shockwaves across Tanzania, with many demanding swift action from the government to address the increasing reports of abductions and killings. The US Embassy issued a statement calling attention to the "murders and disappearances" and the "detentions and beatings" that have recently escalated, warning that such actions have no place in a democracy. Concerns about political repression have resurfaced, despite President Samia’s efforts to lift a ban on opposition gatherings and restore political competition following the era of her predecessor, John Magufuli. In recent months, Chadema leaders, including Mr. Mbowe and his deputy Tundu Lissu, were arrested after attempting to hold a youth rally. The police had banned the event, alleging it was intended to incite violence. In July, an artist was sentenced to two years in prison for burning an image of President Samia, adding to fears that Tanzania may be reverting to repressive practices. Human Rights Watch recently warned that the surge in arrests of opposition activists ahead of the 2025 presidential elections is a "bad sign" for the country's democratic future. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages