Joseph Isangura
The National Chairperson of the Women’s Wing for ACT Wazalendo, Janeth Joel Rithe, has issued a strong statement, criticizing President Samia Suluhu Hassan for what she perceives as a failure to take responsibility over recent incidents of abductions, disappearances, and killings of citizens across the country.
Her remarks come amid growing public concerns over these alarming incidents, which many feel have not been adequately addressed by the authorities.
Speaking during a public forum, Janeth Joel Rithe emphasized that as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and head of state, President Samia cannot distance herself from these issues or escape her obligation to address them. According to Rithe, accepting praise for achievements while denying responsibility for more difficult and sensitive matters is not only contradictory but also unfair to the citizens who expect accountability from their leader.
“President Samia enjoys being praised for various accomplishments. However, when it comes to the challenging matters, such as the disappearances, abductions, and killings of citizens, she attempts to deny any involvement, as though these incidents are insignificant or trivial, like merely killing an ant. Anyone who has lost their life during your administration [as the President of the country] remains your responsibility. You cannot wash your hands of the blood of Tanzanians,” Rithe stated firmly.
Rithe’s remarks have drawn significant attention and have sparked a broader debate about the government’s accountability, particularly regarding the safety and security of its citizens. Her assertion underscores the expectation that President Samia should not only be credited for positive achievements but must also be willing to address difficult issues head-on, especially those that concern the lives and well-being of the people.
In her criticism, Rithe pointed out that as the Commander-in-Chief, President Samia has the ultimate authority over the country’s security apparatus, and therefore, it is her duty to ensure that security agencies are held accountable and that proper investigations are carried out into incidents of violence, abductions, and unexplained disappearances. She emphasized that the government must show empathy and take swift action to prevent such incidents from recurring, instead of dismissing them or deflecting responsibility.
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Many citizens and political observers have echoed Rithe’s concerns, arguing that the government should be more transparent about efforts to address these incidents. Human rights organizations and activists have also been vocal in demanding answers, insisting that the families of those who have been abducted or killed deserve justice and closure.
The debate surrounding President Samia’s accountability has put pressure on her administration to be more proactive in addressing security challenges. Citizens are calling for stronger measures to protect their rights and safety, with some even questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in preventing such crimes.
