A senior official from Tanzania’s leading opposition party, CHADEMA, has been abducted and seriously injured, according to party statements. Aisha Machano, the women’s wing publicity secretary, was reportedly kidnapped in Kibiti town while on official duties.
The incident has raised alarm about political repression in Tanzania, potentially tarnishing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reformist image. This case follows the recent abduction and murder of another CHADEMA official, Ali Kibao, whose body was found with signs of torture.
The party claims Machano’s abductors sought information about opposition activities related to government-provided clothing during a women’s event. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
These events occur as Tanzania approaches local elections in December and national elections in 2025, with rights campaigners accusing the government of targeting opponents. The government denies these allegations. CHADEMA has previously organized demonstrations against such abductions, which were thwarted by police.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an investigation into Kibao’s death and related cases. These incidents have sparked concerns about the state of political freedom and safety of opposition figures in Tanzania, challenging the narrative of improved democratic space under Hassan’s leadership.
The repeated attacks on opposition members raise questions about the country’s commitment to multi-party democracy and the protection of political rights.