Chadema Chairman Mbowe expressed his frustration with the ongoing silence from authorities. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: In the face of escalating reports of abductions and mysterious disappearances, Chadema is pushing for a dramatic intervention: a presidential commission of judges to investigate these grave concerns.
Freeman Mbowe, the party’s chairman, is spearheading this call, arguing that President Samia Suluhu Hassan possesses the authority to establish such a commission under the Specific Investigation Law.
This demand from Chadema is not an isolated plea. It follows a similar call from the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) made on August 9, 2024. TLS’s report highlights a chilling list of 83 individuals who have reportedly vanished, their fates still unknown.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by Mbowe’s declaration that only an independent commission can provide the thorough investigation required to address these cases.
During a press conference held on August 22, 2024, at Chadema’s headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Mbowe expressed his frustration with the ongoing silence from authorities. He emphasized the need for the proposed commission to engage with the victims’ families to ensure a fair, truthful, and impartial investigation.
To solidify this push, Mbowe has instructed Chadema’s Secretary-General, John Mnyika, to formally deliver the proposal to President Samia. He warned that if the message is ignored by the President’s aides, Chadema will ensure it reaches her directly.
Mbowe’s criticism of the government’s response to the abductions was sharp. He lamented the authorities' dismissive attitude towards these alarming incidents.
“When there are reports of 80 people disappearing under mysterious circumstances and the authorities remain silent, we have no choice but to raise our voices alongside TLS,” he stated.
His comments reflect a growing frustration among opposition parties and civil society groups who feel the government’s response has been inadequate.
The party’s internal investigation revealed a troubling trend: approximately 60% of the reported abductions and murders have occurred in Dar es Salaam.
Mbowe accused a police task force, originally intended to combat crime, of morphing into a unit that targets civilians. This accusation points to deep-seated concerns about the misuse of state power and raises questions about the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
Despite attempts to seek clarification, key officials remained unresponsive. Efforts to contact the Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, were unsuccessful as his phone calls went unanswered, and he did not respond to WhatsApp messages.
Similarly, Police spokesperson David Misime, who had initially promised a response, was unreachable, and so was the Inspector General of Police, Camilius Wambura. The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ramadhan Kingai, redirected inquiries to the Dar es Salaam Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, who also did not respond.
The press conference highlighted the distress of family members of the missing individuals. Laifah Mbisa, the wife of the missing Frank Mbisa, expressed frustration over the media’s distortion of their plight.
She urged journalists to report their stories accurately to ensure authorities feel the pressure to act. Mbisa’s struggles are poignant; she is left to care for her four-month-old child while grappling with her husband’s disappearance and her unemployment.
Jackline Massawe, sister of Jacob Mlay, another missing person, also spoke out. She urged Tanzanians to unite against the rampant abductions and highlighted the need for collective action to combat these crimes.
In a parallel development, Judge Mathew Mwaimu, Chairman of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (THBUB), addressed the ongoing investigation into incidents from 2020 to 2024. Mwaimu confirmed that the commission is examining cases across 15 regions, including Dar es Salaam, Singida, and Mara, among others. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported disappearances and identify the responsible parties.
Mwaimu’s comments provide a glimmer of hope amid the despair. He noted that the commission has already made significant progress, including identifying incidents based on various sources and analyzing the events' contexts.
The investigation will cover 30 areas over the next two to three weeks, with a comprehensive report expected thereafter.
The commission’s focus also includes the recent protests in Shinyanga and Simiyu, triggered by the disappearance of children. Mwaimu assured that the commission would recommend specific actions to the relevant authorities to address these issues effectively.
As the situation unfolds, the calls for justice grow louder. Chadema’s bold move to advocate for a presidential commission and the ongoing efforts of THBUB reflect a mounting demand for accountability and transparency.
The tragic stories of missing individuals and their families serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a thorough investigation and decisive action to prevent further tragedies.