Just days after Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Activist Agather Atuahaire were detained and reportedly tortured in Tanzania, the United States government has broken its silence over the matter.
In a statement through the Bureau of African Affairs, the United States has called for an immediate investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists – Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi. Atuhaire was recognized by state department an International Women of Courage Awardee in 2024. We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses,” part of the statement read
The Bureau further urged all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for the violation of Human rights, including torture.
“We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture,” the Bureau of African Affairs added.
Detention Of Boniface Mwangi in Tanzania
This comes after Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire were detained by Tanzanian authorities in May 2025 while attempting to attend the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu in Dar es Salaam.
Mwangi was accused of providing false information to gain entry into Tanzania, while the reasons for Atuhaire’s detention remain unclear.
Release of Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Activist Agather Atuhaire
After several days in custody, both activists were released at their respective national borders. Mwangi was handed over to Kenyan authorities in Kwale County and is currently receiving medical attention in Nairobi.
Mwangi alleged that he and Atuhaire were subjected to torture by Tanzanian security agents, including being taken to a secret location.
Following their release at the Kenyan and Ugandan borders, respectively, various human rights organizations and activists condemned their treatment.
Also Read: Ugandan Activist Agather Found
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and other groups have highlighted the rising cases of torture and enforced disappearances in the region, calling for accountability and justice for victims.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of human rights violations in East Africa, where activists and citizens have faced torture and abuse.
The international community and human rights organizations continue to advocate for the protection of activists and the end of torture practices in the region.
Tundu Lissu Arrest
Tundu Lissu, the leader of the Tanzania’s opposition party, CHADEMA, was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga after holding a political rally advocating for electoral reforms under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.”
Subsequently, he was charged with treason and dissemination of false information, based on statements he made urging public dissent and election disruption ahead of the upcoming October elections.
Also Read: Agather Atuhaire Uganda’s Fearless Activist Who Was Detained in Tanzania
Treason is a non-bailable offense in Tanzania and carries the death penalty if convicted.
Tundu Lissu Court Case
On May 19, 2025, Lissu appeared in court, having previously refused to participate in a virtual hearing, insisting on an in-person trial. He entered the courtroom with a defiant gesture, reassuring supporters who chanted slogans demanding electoral reform.
Additionally, the court granted authorities a two-week extension for investigations, with the trial set to resume on 2 June 2025.
Further, the arrests have intensified concerns about political repression in Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has previously warned foreign activists against interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
However, the Tanzanian government has not commented on the activists Boniface and Agather treatment of the allegations of torture.
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