US calls for probe into torture of activists Boniface Mwangi, Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania
Their comments come amid growing criticism of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu following claims that the activists were subjected to abuse by individuals believed to be Tanzanian police.
The United States has called for a full investigation into the alleged torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire while in detention in Tanzania.
In a statement released on Saturday, the US Bureau of African Affairs expressed concern over the reported mistreatment of the two activists and demanded action.
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“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists, Atuhaire and Mwangi,” the statement read.
“We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses,” it read further.
The US also urged East African countries to take firm steps in holding those responsible accountable.
“We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture,” it stated.
Their comments come amid growing criticism of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu following claims that the activists were subjected to abuse by individuals believed to be Tanzanian police.
Boniface Mwangi, a prominent Kenyan activist, was released on Thursday, May 22, after being detained for over three days. According to his family and lawyers, he was deported by road and later found in Ukunda, Kenya.
Agather Atuhaire, his Ugandan counterpart, was found a day later, on Friday, May 23, abandoned at the Mutukula border between Uganda and Tanzania.
Both activists have accused Tanzanian authorities of torture, with Mwangi directly blaming President Samia for what they went through.
He described his experience as “the worst form of torture” and said they were threatened with public humiliation if they disclosed what had happened to them.
“I can’t walk properly,” Mwangi said while narrating his ordeal. Images circulated online showed visible injuries to his feet and body and captured him in a visibly weak condition.
Atuhaire, on the other hand, described being stripped of her dignity and her clothes the moment she arrived in detention.
“When I got there, the first order was to take off my clothes. Before I did anything, there was someone who hit me on my back and another who violently took off my clothes. They threw me down and handcuffed me,” she said.
The case has sparked outrage across East Africa and beyond, with many calling for justice and transparency.
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