Activists from Kenya and Uganda Report Allegations of Sexual Torture in Tanzania

Human rights activists from Kenya and Uganda have come forward with serious allegations of sexual torture and abuse by Tanzanian security forces during their detention in the country. The two activists, Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda, revealed their traumatic experiences at a press conference held in Nairobi.

Both activists had traveled to Tanzania to attend a court hearing for the opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. After their arrival, they were reportedly abducted from their hotel room by security personnel and taken into custody, where they claim to have endured severe beatings and sexual violence.

In their statements, they detailed their harrowing experiences, describing how they were blindfolded, tortured, and subsequently abandoned near the borders of their respective countries. Mwangi, a well-known photojournalist and anti-corruption campaigner, expressed his anguish during the press conference, recounting the brutality he faced while in custody.

He described instances of being stripped naked, hung upside down, and beaten, asserting that officers forced him to verbally affirm his well-being while subjecting him to degrading treatment. Mwangi emphasized his determination to share his story, highlighting the emotional toll of the abuse while reaffirming his resilience.

Atuhaire, an esteemed journalist and human rights advocate, echoed Mwangi's sentiments, stating her desire for justice in the wake of their traumatic experiences. She expressed disbelief at encountering such violence in Tanzania, which she had not expected to be worse than her home country, Uganda, known for its own oppressive regime.

During their detention, the activists were reportedly subjected to threats, with officers claiming to have recorded their abuse and warning them against speaking out. Atuhaire, who has received multiple awards for her work in human rights, underscored the significance of confronting such abuses and called for accountability from the Tanzanian government.

The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of political repression in Tanzania, where dissent against the government has increasingly been met with violence and intimidation. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been criticized for its handling of political opposition, particularly in light of Lissu's recent arrest and the disqualification of his party from upcoming elections.

Despite attempts to reach Tanzanian officials for comment on the allegations, no responses have been provided. The case has prompted international organizations, including Amnesty International and the European Parliament, to voice their concerns regarding the state of human rights and political freedoms in Tanzania.

As the activists continue to seek justice and raise awareness about their experiences, their case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders in the region and the urgent need for accountability and reform within oppressive political systems.