Human Rights Groups Condemn Arrests of Chadema Leaders and Journalists in Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a stunning escalation, Amnesty International has aligned with local human rights defenders to fiercely condemn the Tanzanian Police Force's arrest of Chadema leaders, including Freeman Mbowe, and several journalists.

 These shocking detentions, coming just before Tanzania's crucial local and general elections, have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with advocates decrying this brazen assault on fundamental freedoms.

The group of detainees, which includes senior members of Chadema, journalists, and other stakeholders, was apprehended en route to Mbeya to participate in World Youth Day celebrations organized by the Chadema Youth Council (Bavicha). The police, however, intervened, banning the event, citing potential disruptions to public order.

The move has drawn widespread criticism, with Amnesty International issuing a strongly worded statement today, August 12, 2024, calling on Tanzanian authorities to uphold and protect the human rights of all citizens, especially as the nation approaches critical elections.

"Authorities must cease the unlawful arrests of opposition politicians and remove barriers to the right of citizens to assemble," Amnesty International stated, demanding the immediate release of all those detained and stressing that any legal actions should respect the rights of the accused.

The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has also voiced its concerns, condemning the arrests and pointing out the selective enforcement of the law. The society highlighted Article 18 and 20(1) of Tanzania’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi emphasized that these rights are also protected under various international and regional treaties ratified by Tanzania, which the government is obliged to honor.

TLS further criticized the actions of the Tanzanian Police Force and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties for their heavy-handed approach, especially when dealing with opposition parties. "The Police Force, along with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, has been overly rigorous in taking legal action, particularly when inflammatory statements are made by ruling party leaders," the TLS statement read. It also lamented the erosion of the "4Rs" agenda—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Reconstruction—championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The TLS called on the police to respect the rule of law and focus on their primary duty of protecting citizens and their property rather than interfering in political party activities, which are regulated by the Political Parties Act.

"We urge the Police Force to immediately cease actions that suggest the suppression of the right to assemble and express oneself, which constitutes a violation of the Constitution and the laws of the country," the statement asserted. The TLS has tasked a special committee of lawyers to assess the situation and pursue appropriate legal measures against officials responsible for this incident, ensuring the proper use of public office powers.

The Editors’ Forum of Tanzania (TEF), in a statement that went viral on Azam TV, demanded the unconditional release of three journalists who were arrested outside Chadema’s office in Mbeya while awaiting interviews with party leaders. The journalists—Ramadhan Hamis, Fadhili Kirundwa of Jambo TV, and Francis Simba, a cameraman for Chanzo TV—were reportedly detained without cause.

TEF Chairman Deodatus Balile invoked Article 18 of Tanzania’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to gather, process, and disseminate information without territorial limitations. He also referenced Section 7(1)(a)(b) and (c) of the Media Services Act of 2016, as amended in 2023, which protects the rights of journalists to perform their duties. Balile stressed that journalists are mandated to inform the public on ongoing matters and should not be arrested or punished for fulfilling this role.

In a powerful rebuke, TEF condemned the arrests, warning that such actions undermine Tanzania’s hard-earned reputation for protecting press freedom—a legacy restored by President Samia Suluhu Hassan since she assumed office on March 19, 2021.

"We strongly condemn the arrest of journalists. These incidents tarnish the significant progress Tanzania has made in upholding media freedom under President Samia's leadership. We do not wish to see a return to the dark days of arbitrary detentions. We demand the immediate release of the detained journalists," Balile declared.

The implications of these arrests are far-reaching, raising concerns about the Tanzanian government’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights. As the country approaches a pivotal electoral period, the actions of the police and other state organs could cast a long shadow over the integrity of the electoral process and the broader political environment.

The global community, along with local human rights organizations, will be closely watching Tanzania’s next steps, which will likely determine the trajectory of its democratic development in the coming years.