In a bold move, NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has led the Pan-African opposition top figures in condemning the killing of Tanzania’s CHADEMA member Mohamed Ali Kibao.
Kibao’s death was confirmed after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu posted the news on Sunday, September 8, 2024, and now the East African opposition leaders have raised their voice over the unfortunate occurrence.
“We are deeply concerned and disturbed by recent developments in the Republic of Tanzania.
“We call upon the government to uphold, respect, and protect the human rights of its citizens, who include the political opposition,” a joint statement released on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 read.
The Pan-African caucus also condemned the arrest of leaders during a recent demonstration staged by the CHADEMA party in Mbeya town.
“We also note that on August 12, 2024, police officers used excessive force to stop the CHADEMA Youth League celebrations during the International Youth Day at Mbeya.
“This was followed by the arrests of hundreds of youth, members, and leaders of the party, among them Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA Vice Chair Mainland, John Mnyika, the party’s Secretary-General, Joseph Mbilinyi, Nyasa Regional Chairman, and many other officials of the CHADEMA Nyasa region, who include, Moza Ally, Twaha Mwaipaya, Nice Gisunte, and Appolinary Boniface.
“On the same day, August, 12, 2024, when the CHADEMA National Chairman Freeman Mbowe accompanied by the CHADEMA National Youth Chairman John Pambalu travelled to Mbeya to follow up on the arrested party members, they were both arrested, on arrival at Songwe Airport while at the VIP lounge,” the statement added.
The leaders were, however, later released on bail.
Investigation
Reiterating the call by President Suluhu on an investigation into the murder, the opposition leaders said that those who will be found guilty of Kibao’s murder should be held accountable.
“We call for expeditious, independent, and transparent investigations to hold to account the culprits and forestall further acts of violation of rights,” it added.
Other leaders who signed the joint statement include Agathon Rwasa, who is the leader of the main opposition political party in Burundi.
John Mnyika, who is the Secretary General of CHADEMA, and Zitto Kabwe, a former leader of ACT Wazalendo, an opposition party in Tanzania that is also a coalition partner in the Government of National Unity in Zanzibar.
