EU, UK, Canada condemn abduction and killing of Chadema cadre
What you need to know:
- Kibao was reported missing after being abducted on the evening of September 6, 2024, from a Tashrif bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga.
Dar es Salaam. The European Union Heads of Mission, along with the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, and the embassies of Norway and Switzerland, have issued a joint statement condemning the abduction and killing of Chadema cadre Mohammed Ali Kibao.
“The Delegation of the European Union, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Tanzania, the High Commission of Canada, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Switzerland, and the British High Commission, is deeply concerned about the recent reports of violence, disappearances, and deaths of political and human rights activists.
We call for a thorough investigation into these events and extend our condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement read.
The statement continued: “We urge the Tanzanian government to uphold the promises made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s '4R' plan, ensuring protection for the opposition and safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people, including freedom of expression.”
The envoys welcomed President Suluhu Hassan’s call for an immediate investigation to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
They expressed concern that these recent developments threaten democratic values and the rights of Tanzanian citizens in a country known globally for its peace and stability. They joined the call to preserve the country's peace and stability.
Yesterday, the US Embassy in Tanzania also issued a statement demanding immediate action against the recent wave of abductions and violence.
The United States called for an independent, transparent, and swift investigation into the ongoing cases of abductions and the murder of Kibao.
The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam emphasized that “murder and disappearances, as well as last month’s detentions, beatings, and other efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of elections, should have no place in a democracy.”
Kibao was reported missing after being abducted on the evening of September 6, 2024, from a Tashrif bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga.
Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified individuals forcibly removed him from the bus, handcuffed him, and took him away.
Kibao's body was discovered on September 8, 2024, in Ununio Tegeta, Dar es Salaam. It was subsequently transferred to Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital for preservation, identification, and an autopsy, with results expected to be released on September 9, 2024.
