Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned the brutal murder of a senior member of the main opposition Chadema party, who was kidnapped, beaten and doused with acid.
Mohamed Ali Kibao, 69, was forced off a bus by suspected security agents as he traveled from the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, to his hometown of Tanga on Friday. His body was found in Ununio, a riverside district of Dar es Salaam, local media reported.
An autopsy revealed that Mr Kibao had been “severely beaten and had acid poured on his face”, party chairman Freeman Mbowe told AFP news agency.
President Samia condemned the “atrocities” and called for an investigation into the killings.
“I have ordered the investigating agencies to provide me with details of this terrible incident and others like it as soon as possible,” she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Our country is a democracy and every citizen has the right to live,” she added.
The US Embassy in Tanzania has voiced support for an “independent, transparent and prompt investigation” into Mr Kibao’s killing.
Mr Kibao’s assassination comes amid concerns among opposition and human rights groups about a crackdown on political activism.
“We cannot allow our people to continue to disappear or be killed like this. The lives of Chadema’s leaders are now in danger,” Mbowe told AFP.
Mr Kibao was a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008. He will be buried on Monday in Darigube district, Tanga city.
Mr Kibao’s killing has sparked widespread condemnation across Tanzania, with many demanding government action after reports of several other people being kidnapped and killed.
“The killings and disappearances, as well as the arrests, beatings, and attempts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of last month’s elections have no place in a democracy,” the US Embassy in Tanzania said.
Last month, senior Chadema leaders, Mr Mbowe and his deputy Tundu Lissu have been arrested. after they tried to organize a youth rally.
Police banned the protest, saying it was intended to cause violence.
In July, An artist was convicted of burning an image of President Samia and sentenced to two years in prison.
Many fear Tanzania could return to the harsh rule of the late President John Magufuli, although his successor, Samia, has lifted a ban on opposition gatherings and promised to restore competitive politics.
In August, Human Rights Watch said the increase in arrests of opposition activists was a “bad sign” as the 2025 presidential election approaches.
