Tanzania Releases Detained Kenyan and Ugandan Activists Amid Allegations of Torture

The Eastleigh Voice

Tanzanian authorities have released Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire, who were detained earlier this week while attending the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Mwangi was handed over to Kenyan officials at the border and is now receiving medical attention in Nairobi after alleging severe torture during his detention. Atuhaire was released at the Uganda border, according to her organization, the Agora Centre for Research.

Mwangi reported that both he and Atuhaire were subjected to torture under the orders of a Tanzanian state security official, including being taken to a secret location. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the treatment of activists and the state of human rights in Tanzania.

The detentions occurred amid heightened political tensions in Tanzania, where opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges for allegedly inciting public dissent ahead of the upcoming general elections. Lissu's arrest and the subsequent treatment of his supporters have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and raised questions about the Tanzanian government's commitment to democratic principles.

The Tanzanian government has not commented on the allegations of torture or the circumstances surrounding the activists' detention and release. The situation has intensified scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration, which has been accused of suppressing opposition voices despite earlier promises to uphold human rights and democratic freedoms.

The release of Mwangi and Atuhaire comes amid growing concerns about political repression and the treatment of activists in Tanzania, highlighting the challenges faced by those advocating for democratic reforms in the region.