Tanzania: Brutal killing of opposition figure sparks outrage, calls for justice

The brutal murder of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, has sent shockwaves through the nation and drawn international condemnation. Kibao, 69, was kidnapped, severely beaten, and doused with acid in a horrific attack that has raised serious concerns about political violence in the country.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the “brutal acts” and ordered a thorough investigation into the murder. She emphasized that Tanzania is a democracy where every citizen has the right to live, calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, opposition leaders remain skeptical, demanding an independent inquiry.

The incident has sparked widespread protests, with hundreds attending Kibao’s funeral and demanding the resignation of the Home Affairs Minister. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has voiced support for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing.

This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of growing concern over political repression in Tanzania. Opposition leaders and human rights groups have reported an increase in abductions, detentions, and efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of upcoming elections.

The killing of Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, the disappearance of Chadema leader Dioniz Kipanya in July 2024 and three other party leaders in Dar-es-Salaam, have reignited fears that Tanzania may be regressing toward the repressive rule seen under the previous administration. As the country grapples with this crisis, many are calling for concrete actions to protect political freedoms and ensure the safety of opposition figures.

According to the Tanganyika Law Society, at least 83 people have disappeared over the past seven months.

This surge in repression is occurring ahead of Tanzania’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2025, the first since Magufuli’s death.