The body of Ally Kibao, a senior official from Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, was found on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam on Saturday, showing signs of severe beatings and acid burns to his face, according to party officials. This gruesome discovery comes a day after Kibao was reportedly abducted by armed men from a bus traveling to the northeastern port city of Tanga.
CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe, addressing journalists late Sunday, stated that a preliminary post-mortem examination revealed evidence of severe beating and acid attacks. A full autopsy report is expected to be completed on Monday.
The incident has cast a shadow over President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to soften the authoritarian image of Tanzania’s government since taking office three years ago, following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli.
President Hassan responded to the news on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying she had ordered an investigation into what she termed Kibao’s assassination. “Our country is democratic and every citizen has the right to live. The government I lead does not tolerate such brutal acts,” she wrote.
Police have issued a statement confirming they are investigating the “tragic incident.” However, CHADEMA chairman Mbowe has called for the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate the abduction and killing, expressing concern that police might be among the suspects in the case.
This incident follows the arrest and brief detention of over 500 CHADEMA supporters, including top leadership, last month as they attempted to gather for a youth wing meeting in southwestern Tanzania.
While President Hassan has taken steps to ease restrictions on media and opposition since coming to power, human rights groups continue to report instances of arbitrary detentions.
The brutal nature of Kibao’s death has shocked many and raised concerns about political violence in Tanzania. As investigations proceed, the incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of the country’s human rights record and the government’s commitment to democratic reform.
REUTERS
