US calls for investigations into abuse of human rights in Tanzania after detention of two activists
The United States called for a probe into claims of human rights abuses in Tanzania following the detention and torture of two activists from Kenya and Uganda.
Two East African activists – Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were detained for days and tortured by Tanzanian security officials.
Mwangi was released on Thursday morning while Atuhaire was dumped at the border of Uganda with Tanzania on the same day at night.
The US Bureau of African Affairs said it is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of the two East African activists.
“Atuhaire was recognized by @StateDept in 2024 as an International Women of Courage Awardee. We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture,” a statement said.
Atuhaire was released Thursday alongside activist Boniface Mwangi after days of detention by Tanzanian authorities.
In a heartfelt message on X, Atuhaire expressed gratitude for the support she has received from across since her release.
“Good people, I have no words…thank you for your support, concern, and love. I am not okay, but what a relief to be alive and back home!” she wrote.
The two had traveled to Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was in court facing treason charges.
Despite being allowed into the country, the activists were denied access to the courtroom and later arrested under unclear circumstances.
Recounting her ordeal, Atuhaire described being forced into a dark vehicle by five men and a woman, blindfolded, and driven to an undisclosed location.
“I almost sat on guns… I thought it was over,” she said.
Tanzania’s government has not commented on the torture claims. President Samia Suluhu Hassan Monday warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to “meddle” in her country’s affairs and cause “chaos.”
Atuhaire was found abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities after being held in custody since Monday, Agora Centre for Research, the Uganda-based rights group that she leads, posted on X.
Uganda’s high commissioner to Tanzania Fred Mwesigye, said Atuhaire had “safely returned home” and had been “warmly received by her family.”
She had visibly swollen legs, allegedly resulting from torture during her detention, Ugandan local media reported, citing her close friends.
“She was dumped at the border at night by the authorities, and there are indications of torture,” fellow activist at the Agora Centre for Research Spire Ssentongo told the AFP news agency.
Mwangi, who was earlier found abandoned on a roadside in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, said he had heard Atuhaire “groaning in pain” when they were held together on Tuesday.
Mwangi is in hospital following the ordeal.