Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned the brutal killing of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition party Chadema. Kibao, 69, was abducted, beaten, and doused with acid while traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. The post-mortem revealed severe beating and acid burns on his face.

His death has heightened concerns about a crackdown on political activity, prompting President Samia to call for a thorough investigation. “I have ordered the investigation agencies to bring me detailed information about this terrible incident and others like this as soon as possible,” she stated on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the right to live in a democratic country.

During Kibao’s funeral in Tanga, mourners demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni, accusing the government of inaction. Opposition party chairman Freeman Mbowe urged the crowd to let the minister speak despite their protests. The US Embassy in Tanzania has called for an “independent, transparent, and prompt investigation” into the killing.

The US Embassy criticized the recent increase in detentions and violence, stressing that such actions have no place in a democracy. The killing of Kibao has sparked widespread condemnation and fears that Tanzania may be reverting to repressive practices similar to those of the late President John Magufuli. Human Rights Watch has warned of increasing arrests of opposition activists ahead of the 2025 presidential elections.

Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, was widely mourned at his funeral. His death has intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of political dissent and human rights issues. As tensions rise, many are calling for concrete actions to address the reported abductions and violence, reflecting a growing concern that the political climate in Tanzania could be deteriorating. The international community and local activists alike are watching closely, advocating for justice and greater protection for political figures and ordinary citizens.