Joseph Isangura
Tanzania has forcefully pushed back against allegations of human rights abuses raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council, following criticism from regional civil society groups and UN experts.
The government insists it remains committed to respecting the rule of law and individual freedoms—even in the face of mounting international scrutiny.
Speaking in Geneva during the fifth meeting of the Council’s 59th session, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi, dismissed the claims as “erroneous, misleading and misconstrued.”
“Tanzania has a solid record of upholding fundamental rights,” said Dr. Possi. “We continue to guarantee freedom of expression, even when it includes criticism directed at the government.”
The criticism was prompted by a statement from the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, which raised alarm over the recent detention and deportation of two foreign journalists—Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan photojournalist, and Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan legal activist. Both had traveled to Dar es Salaam in May 2025 to cover the high-profile treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
According to UN experts, Mwangi and Atuhaire were arrested without formal charges, held incommunicado, and deported to Kenya and Uganda, respectively. In Atuhaire’s case, there are troubling claims of sexual assault while in custody—a matter now under scrutiny by international observers.
Dr. Possi acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations and said an investigation is already underway. However, he also pointed out that both individuals allegedly violated Tanzania’s immigration laws by entering the country on tourist visas while conducting professional work.
“There is a distinction between lawful criticism and unlawful presence,” said Dr. Possi. “Still, any alleged abuse of human rights will be treated with utmost seriousness.”
In response to broader concerns, the ambassador emphasized that Tanzania has held regular multiparty elections since returning to political pluralism in the 1990s, and remains committed to democratic principles. He said the trial of Tundu Lissu is being conducted openly, with hearings livestreamed to ensure transparency and public access.
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Nonetheless, UN human rights experts remain concerned. In their written remarks, they highlighted a pattern of intimidation, enforced disappearances, and shrinking civic space in Tanzania, especially in the lead-up to the country’s October 2025 general elections.
The experts cited more than 200 alleged cases of enforced disappearance since 2019, raising alarms over lack of accountability and support for victims—especially in cases involving torture or sexual and gender-based violence.
The government has rejected these claims, arguing that much of the information is based on unverified sources and politically motivated narratives.
Still, human rights advocates inside and outside the country are calling for greater openness and reform. “Tanzania has an opportunity here,” said one diplomat in Geneva. “Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to protect civil society will go a long way toward building international trust.”
For now, the international community watches closely as Tanzanian authorities investigate the allegations. The outcome could shape not only the country’s human rights image—but also its diplomatic relations ahead of a high-stakes election season.
