Tanzania Faces Outcry Over Abduction of Chadema Activist and Widespread Human Rights Concerns

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzanian authorities are under intense scrutiny as activists demand the release of Deusdedit Soka, a youth leader from the opposition party Chadema, who was abducted on August 18, 2024, in Buza. Alongside Soka, two associates, Jacob Godwin Mlay and Frank Mbise, were also taken. The case has ignited a storm of protests on social media and intensified calls for justice.

Soka and Mlay, both leaders in Chadema’s Temeke branch, were reportedly seized by the police, according to various close associates. Frank Mbise, a commercial motorcycle driver and former employee of Soka, was also taken.

On August 19, 2024, Chadema released a statement demanding their immediate release. The party revealed that Soka's mobile phone, which had been under police custody since September 2023, was used to falsely imply that Soka was planning to flee the country due to internal party conflicts.

In a distressing twist, Soka’s phone, which had not been reactivated, was reportedly used to spread rumors that he was contemplating escape. Chadema's statement denounced this as a clear attempt to discredit and destabilize Soka’s activism.

“The authorities have crossed a line,” Chadema stated. “They are using our leader’s phone to propagate falsehoods and undermine his credibility. This is a deliberate move to silence dissent and quash our voices.”

Soka’s abduction comes after he had voiced serious concerns about his safety on August 13, 2024. Just before his disappearance, Soka had posted on his X account, warning that his life was at risk. “The truth that I will make clear before God and the world,” Soka had written, “is that there is a plan to harm me and make me disappear completely.” He urged his supporters not to be disheartened but to stay strong in their fight against oppression.

The activist’s fears seem justified given his recent experiences. Soka was previously detained along with other Chadema members as they were en route to Mbeya for a youth day event, which was canceled due to a police crackdown. His warnings about a planned assault and potential disappearance have now become a grim reality.

Soka had been organizing a demonstration against the increasing trend of abductions and disappearances in the country, slated for August 26, 2024. This demonstration was intended to address the growing concern over the systematic targeting of activists.

 His disappearance is the latest in a series of troubling events. Just last month, Dioniz Kipanya, Chadema’s Rukwa leader, went missing under mysterious circumstances.

Before his disappearance, Kipanya was reportedly contacted by individuals claiming to represent the Rukwa Regional Police Commander. The police have denied any involvement in his case and claimed they are collaborating with his family to find him. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions and disappearances that have raised alarms nationwide.

Critics like Malisa Godlisten have condemned these actions, labeling them as part of a broader trend of state violence. “This is not an isolated incident; it’s indicative of a troubling trend where police seem to act with impunity,” Godlisten wrote on social media. The growing violence and repression have drawn strong reactions from human rights groups and activists.

In response to these issues, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commission, formed last year to evaluate the performance of Tanzania’s criminal justice institutions, presented its report on July 15, 2023. The commission, led by former Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, proposed 13 key reforms aimed at enhancing justice for Tanzanians.

The report highlighted systemic corruption and inefficiencies within key institutions such as the Police Force, National Prosecution Services (NPS), Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Tanzania Prisons Services, and the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA). Among the issues identified were prolonged investigations, misuse of bail rights, and abuse of power by regional and district officials.

President Hassan acknowledged the urgent need for reforms. “I am very grateful to the committee for this comprehensive report. The recommendations offer law enforcement and security agencies a chance to reassess their performance,” she said.

 She emphasized the need for political leaders to avoid interfering with the prosecutorial process, noting that powerful individuals can influence the withdrawal of cases, particularly in tax matters, due to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not being required to explain such decisions.

The President’s remarks accentuate the importance of implementing the proposed reforms to restore faith in the justice system and address the pervasive issues of corruption and abuse. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for immediate and effective action remains critical.