Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) Chairperson Deodatus Balile. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania has been shaken by recent events, with fresh waves of kidnappings and killings unsettling the nation. In a candid analysis, Deodatus Balile, Chairperson of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), has recently issued a strong call for accountability, urging leaders to take decisive action in addressing the country's security challenges.
His remarks come in the wake of the tragic death of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a member of the opposition party Chadema, who was kidnapped and later found murdered under chilling circumstances.
Balile expressed deep concern over Kibao's abduction, which occurred in broad daylight as he traveled on a public bus in Dar es Salaam. On September 6, 2024, Kibao was forcibly removed from the bus by individuals armed with sub-machine guns (SMGs), only for his body to be discovered two days later, showing signs of severe assault and acid burns.
Balile highlighted the disturbing implications of this incident, particularly the allegations linking state security forces to Kibao’s kidnapping and murder. "There are widespread suspicions that police officers may be involved," Balile noted, pointing to the fact that the abductors carried heavy weaponry typically used by law enforcement.
Despite some circulating claims that Chadema itself could be behind the incident to garner political sympathy, Balile found such theories implausible and underscored that, regardless of the culprit, it is the police's responsibility to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. "The safety of citizens knows no political affiliation, religion, gender, or ethnicity. The police have to prevent crime and bring criminals, whether from political parties or not, to justice."
The killing of Kibao is not an isolated event. Over the past months, there have been reports of children being abducted and as many as 84 individuals reportedly disappearing. While the government initially responded with vigor, the resurgence of such violence has reignited fear across the country. Balile questioned whether political rivals of President Samia Suluhu Hassan might be staging these attacks to undermine her administration's efforts to maintain national security ahead of the 2025 general elections.
As the leader of TEF, Balile didn't hesitate to bring attention to the role of Home Affairs Minister Masauni Yusufu Masauni, whose department is responsible for ensuring the safety of the people. He recalled the precedent set by former ministers who resigned when faced with security failures, pointing to similar incidents in the past, such as the 2013 "Operation Tokomeza," which led to the political resignation of four ministers despite their absence on the ground. More notably, he cited the resignation of former Home Affairs Minister Ali Hassan Mwinyi in 1977 following widespread killings of the elderly in Mwanza and Shinyanga.
"Even though Minister Mwinyi was not directly involved, he accepted responsibility because his portfolio demanded that he be aware of and control what was happening within his ministry," Balile stated. He argued that similar accountability should be expected from current leadership, especially Minister Masauni, whose office has been linked to repeated instances of abductions and killings under questionable circumstances.
Balile’s commentary is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Tanzania is striving to heal the deep wounds left by previous political tensions. Under President Samia's administration, there has been a focus on reconciliation, resilience, reforms, and rebuilding (4R). Citizens began to feel a sense of openness, and opposition parties were once again permitted to hold rallies. However, the recent violence threatens to undo the progress achieved through the 4R strategy.
"Failure to address these heinous acts will lead people to lose hope, and when hope is lost, respect for the law vanishes," Balile warned. He further highlighted the growing sentiment among some Tanzanians who are beginning to suggest taking justice into their own hands by tracking down abductees using public means such as motorbikes—a sign of rising disillusionment with law enforcement.
Balile concluded his well-crafted analysis by calling on President Samia to establish an independent commission of inquiry, similar to those formed in 1976 and 2013, to investigate these crimes transparently and ensure that justice is served. "If this situation is not addressed decisively, the light of law and order will be extinguished," he said, stressing the urgency of the matter.
In a powerful reflection on the importance of leadership accountability, Balile recalled the famous resignation letter of Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who once stated, "I accept responsibility because my ministerial mandate includes the obligation to know what is happening in my department and to ensure the good conduct of the police force."
Balile's stand for justice and transparency is a courageous stance in the face of Tanzania's complex political landscape. His advocacy for an independent investigation echoes a broader call for change and underscores the need for national leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all Tanzanians.
Tanzania faces a pivotal moment in its pursuit of justice and security. Balile’s unwavering demand for accountability resonates deeply, reminding all leaders that their primary duty is to protect the citizens who place their trust in them. The time for decisive action is now; failure to act risks plunging the nation back into darkness.
Citizens are watching, waiting for their leaders to stand firm against violence and restore faith in the system. The strength of a democracy lies in its leaders’ willingness to act justly and transparently. It’s time for those in power to rise to the occasion, proving their commitment to the people and the principles of justice.