A coalition of human rights organizations under the banner “Jumuiya” is demanding justice and compensation for Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, following their abduction and torture by Tanzanian authorities in May 2025.
Mwangi and Atuhaire traveled to Dar es Salaam on May 18, 2025, to observe the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. On May 19, they were arrested at their hotel by Tanzanian security forces and held incommunicado for four days. During their detention, both activists report being blindfolded, stripped, and subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
As reported by Standard Digital, the duo were allegedly forced to chant “Asante Mama Suluhu” a reference to President Samia Suluhu Hassan while their ordeal was recorded. Mwangi described the treatment as “Tanzanian treatment,” highlighting the severity of their experience.
On May 22, Mwangi was found near the Kenya-Tanzania border in Ukunda, while Atuhaire was abandoned at the Uganda-Tanzania border on May 23. Both appeared severely beaten and traumatized.
Human rights groups are urging the Tanzanian government to investigate the allegations and hold those responsible accountable. They are also calling on the East African Community (EAC) to convene a meeting addressing the breach of regional human rights protocols. The activists demand that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights undertake an inquest into the illegal detention and torture.
The incident raises concerns about increasing repression in East Africa, with reports of cross-border collaboration among intelligence agencies targeting critics. Activists warn that such actions undermine human rights and the rule of law in the region. They are calling for international pressure on governments to uphold democratic principles and protect activists from state-sponsored abuse.