Tanzania Releases Ugandan Activist at Border; Kenyan Activist Alleges Torture

 

Tanzania has released Ugandan lawyer and activist Agather Atuhaire, abandoning her at the border with Uganda after days of detention, according to her organization, Agora Centre for Research. Atuhaire, who was detained since Monday, was reportedly found in poor condition, with her organization expressing relief at her release.

Meanwhile, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who was detained after arriving in Dar es Salaam to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, was also released and dumped at the Kenyan border. Mwangi recounted that Atuhaire was heard groaning in pain due to torture during their detention, which he claimed was carried out under orders from a Tanzanian state security officer.

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Tanzanian authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly warned foreign activists against “invading and interfering” in Tanzanian affairs. The case of Lissu, who was charged with treason over a speech calling for rebellion, underscores concerns over political repression and crackdowns on opposition figures in Tanzania.

Human rights groups have condemned the treatment of the activists, calling for investigations into their alleged torture. The Tanzanian government has not provided comments on Mwangi or Atuhaire’s claims, amid ongoing tensions around opposition activism and political dissent.