Human rights activists across Kenya are calling on regional and continental bodies to take action against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu over what they describe as state-sponsored suppression of peaceful protesters. The appeal comes as anti-government demonstrations in Tanzania enter their second day, sparking growing regional concern about human rights violations.
According to several Kenyan civil society leaders, Tanzanian security agencies have used excessive force to disperse demonstrators demanding democratic reforms and transparency. “There are serious human rights abuses, reported deaths and abductions. You saw what happened to us when we went to legally represent our colleague,” said Martha Karua, a prominent advocate for democracy in the region.
Are Tanzanian Authorities Violating Citizens’ Democratic Rights?
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the Tanzanian government’s actions, emphasizing that protesters are exercising their constitutional rights. “The youth in Tanzania are expressing their constitutional rights and must be protected,” the KHRC stated. Similar sentiments were echoed by other activists who decried the brutal treatment of demonstrators.
“They are attacking young men and women fighting for their rights,” said Kawithe Wambua, CEO of Inuka Kenya ni Sisi. Vocal Africa’s Hussein Khalid added that “security forces are using excessive force to suppress the protesters,” while Felix Wambua of the Free Kenya Movement confirmed that “there are youth who have been beaten up.”
Activists further argue that the recent Tanzanian elections were neither free nor fair. “There was no election. It was Samia versus Suluhu. The elections were boycotted. There were massive cases of rigging, involving an army lorry carrying ballot boxes stashed with votes,” Karua revealed. The KHRC also questioned the government’s transparency, stating, “Tanzanian authorities barred international observers from monitoring the process. What were they hiding?”
What Role Should African Institutions Play in Tanzania’s Crisis?
The Civil Society Groups are urging the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC) to intervene immediately. “Tanzania is undergoing a democratic re-awakening and youth are being targeted. Government critics have been jailed or killed. We call upon AU, SADC, and EAC to intervene and protect the will of the people of Tanzania,” Karua said.
The KHRC reinforced this call for accountability, urging the international community to take a strong stance. “We call upon global condemnation against the Tanzanian authorities for human rights abuses,” the organization stated.
Meanwhile, Kenyan activists announced plans to mobilize citizens at home to resist what they termed “oppressive legislations” being pushed through Parliament. Their collective message to African leaders is clear: silence in the face of injustice only emboldens impunity.
At a time when Tanzania’s streets echo with chants for freedom, regional solidarity may determine how far this democratic re-awakening will go.
By Lucky Anyanje
