Ally Kibao, a prominent official of Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, was found dead with signs of severe beating and acid burns on his face.
He had been abducted from a bus by armed men while traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. His death threatens to undermine President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reformist reputation, given her efforts to ease political repression following John Magufuli’s presidency.
President Hassan has ordered an investigation into Kibao’s murder, emphasizing her commitment to democratic principles and condemning the violence.
CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe has called for a judicial commission to investigate the incident, citing concerns that police may be involved.
This tragedy follows a recent crackdown where police detained over 500 CHADEMA supporters, including top leadership.
Despite some progress in relaxing media and opposition restrictions, human rights groups argue that arbitrary detentions persist under Hassan’s administration.