The Pan-African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network has condemned the disappearance of Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and the reported torture and illegal deportation of activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian authorities.
In a statement issued on May 22, 2025, the Pan-African leaders asserted that the situation constitutes a serious breach of both national and international human rights standards, pointing to a dangerous and growing trend of coordinated abductions, forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings across the East African region.
“While sources within the Tanzanian government have privately claimed to have deported them to their respective countries and habeas corpus applications have been filed in a Dar es Salaam Court of Law, the two East African citizens have not been seen, by their families since their abduction by Tanzanian security forces at the time of writing this letter,” read part of the statement.
Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan human rights defender, was part of an East African observer delegation in Tanzania attending the treason trial of opposition leader Hon. Tundu Lissu at Kisutu Court. She was detained by Tanzanian authorities on May 19, 2025, alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi.
Pan-African Leaders Demands Issued
Further, the leaders issued 10 demands to Africa Union Commission;
- Issue formal diplomatic notes to the Tanzanian government requesting clarification on the whereabouts and legal status of Agather Atuhaire.
- Activate human rights monitoring mechanisms and request permission and raise an inquiry on allegations of illegal detention and torture.
- Raise this matter in bilateral discussions with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
- Coordinate a joint diplomatic statement expressing concern about the forced disappearances and deportation of East African Citizens, calling for immediate resolution.
Also Read: Kenya Exposes How Tanzania is Frustrating Efforts to Free Boniface Mwangi
- Engage with the East African Community Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting addressing this breach of regional protocols on human rights and rule of law.
- Deploy diplomatic observers to attend any court proceedings related to these cases, should the activists reappear in the judicial system.
- Review bilateral assistance programs with relevant governments, with consideration to human rights compliance conditions.
- Facilitate international legal expertise to support local human rights defenders working on these cases.
- Invoke applicable international human rights mechanisms including UN Special Procedures and regional human rights bodies.
- Maintain public diplomacy that reinforces the importance of human rights and just governance as cornerstones of international relations in the region.
Also Read: Boniface Mwangi Narrates His Detention Ordeal in Tanzania
Boniface Mwangi Narrates His Ordeal
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi issued a statement after he was released from his detention by authorities in Tanzania.
While speaking to the press alongside his wife Njeri Mwangi, the activist said that he was tortured, adding that he could barely walk.
Additionally, he said that Agather is still missing and was equally tortured in the same location with him.
“I’ve gone through four dark days, I have been tortured very badly, I can barely walk but I am very concerned about Agather because we were tortured together, and they did very horrible things to us. So, I hope Agather is safe,” Mwangi said.
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