Philanthropist Mo Ibrahim slams Tanzania, Uganda over crackdown on critics
Samia has come under fire in recent weeks following the arrest and levelling of treason charges against Lissu, as well as the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire.
Sudanese-British philanthropist Mo Ibrahim has urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and her Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, to stop using state machinery to silence their critics, amid mounting concerns over human rights violations in both countries.
Speaking during the Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Marrakech, Morocco, Ibrahim condemned the escalating suppression of opposition figures in Tanzania, including opposition leader Tundu Lissu, as well as the detention and torture of activists from Kenya and Uganda.
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Samia has come under fire in recent weeks following the arrest and levelling of treason charges against Lissu, as well as the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire, who were reportedly tortured by Tanzanian authorities while in custody before being deported to their respective countries.
"I ask President Samia please, be a little bit gentle with the opposition. It is not nice to see what is happening to some of the opposition leaders there," Dr Mo said.
Further, he made a direct appeal to Ugandan President Museveni, urging him to rein in his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has often drawn criticism for his controversial political statements and his perceived role in suppressing opposition voices.
Kainerugaba has previously posted disturbing images on social media allegedly showing a member of the opposition being tortured, sparking outrage among human rights groups.
His actions have not only deepened political tensions within Uganda but also strained diplomatic relations abroad, including a recent fallout with the European Union that led to Uganda's suspension of military cooperation with Germany.
"We say to President Museveni, please rein in your son," said Dr Mo.
Referring to Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, Mo questioned the ongoing harassment of opposition figures in Uganda, stressing that they are not enemies of the state but citizens with legitimate political aspirations who want to better the country.
"I think Bobi Wine is here. He is the leader of the opposition. Please talk to him to hear what harassment those guys are subjected to. And I ask why. These people are citizens of your own country, they are not your enemies," he said.
"I don't know if Bobi Wine will be a great president. But if the people of Uganda like him, so be it. What is the big deal?" he posed.
Further, the philanthropist urged African leaders to stop making excuses for the continent's ongoing problems, urging them to focus on fixing issues that are within their control, such as poor governance, corruption and human rights violations.
"We really need to look at ourselves. We are very quick to complain about imperialism and other guys and what they are doing. That's fine, but please, look into the mirror and say, 'Is that nice what you see, guys?' It is not nice, I'm telling you. We need to get our act together and move forward," he said.
"I'm sorry it is not a nice statement, but it is the truth. And you guys need to know the truth."
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