Just days after Kenyan firebrand Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan advocate Agather Atuhaire journeyed to Tanzania in solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu during his trial, a far more sinister drama unfolded. Instead of observing justice, these two champions of human rights allegedly found themselves victims of brutal mistreatment, and the United States is now demanding answers.
The U.S., through its Bureau of African Affairs, has issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the reports of the activists' ordeal. "The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists – Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi," the statement read, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Adding weight to their concern, the U.S. highlighted Agather Atuhaire's recognition as a 2024 International Women of Courage Awardee by the State Department. Their call is clear and firm: "We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture."
The accounts from Mwangi himself paint a terrifying picture of their detention. In a chilling narration, he detailed the alleged brutality they endured at the hands of Tanzanian authorities. "We had been tortured, and we were told to strip naked and to go bathe. We couldn’t walk and were told to crawl and go wash off the blood," Mwangi recounted, his words painting a visceral image of their suffering.
His testimony further revealed the isolation and cruelty they faced. "We were handcuffed and blindfolded, so I didn’t even see her, but I heard her groaning in pain as they barked orders at us." The deliberate separation and silencing tactics allegedly employed are deeply disturbing. "Any attempt to speak to each other during the night we were tortured was met with kicks and insults. We were removed from the torture location in different vehicles."
Adding to the unsettling nature of their ordeal, both activists were released seemingly haphazardly and far from where they were apprehended. Mwangi was reportedly "dumped" in Ukunda, Kwale County, back in Kenya, while Atuhaire was found hours later in Mutukula, at the border between Uganda and Tanzania. This abrupt and unceremonious release only amplifies the questions surrounding their detention and alleged torture.
The fact that these respected activists, who travelled to Tanzania to support due process, were themselves allegedly subjected to such inhumane treatment sends a chilling message about the environment for human rights defenders in the region. The U.S.'s strong condemnation and demand for a full investigation underscores the international concern over these allegations.
As the world watches, the call for accountability grows louder. What truly transpired during those days of incommunicado detention? Who is responsible for the alleged torture? The U.S. is not alone in seeking these answers; human rights organizations and concerned citizens across East Africa and beyond are demanding transparency and justice.
The spotlight is now firmly on Tanzania, with the international community waiting to see how they will respond to these serious allegations. The pursuit of truth and accountability in this case is not just about these two brave activists; it's about upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring that such alleged abuses are not tolerated.
