Karua petitions AU over rights violations in Tanzania

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has petitioned the African Union Commission (AUC) over what she terms a growing pattern of human rights violations in Tanzania, following the detention and alleged torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and the disappearance of Ugandan rights defender Agather Atuhaire.

In a letter dated Thursday and also addressed to the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Karua condemned the conduct of Tanzanian authorities and called for immediate regional intervention.

"The detention of Mr Mwangi and Ms Atuhire was preceded by the deportation of six other international trial observers who included a former Chief Justice, former Minister of Justice and a member of the Law Society of Kenya Council who had arrived at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on the same mission," Karua stated.

She said these incidents mark "a serious breach of both national and international human rights standards" and reflect "a dangerous trend of coordinated abductions, forced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings in the region."

Karua, speaking through the Pan African Progressive Leaders' Solidarity Network, urged the AU to take a firm stand against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, accusing her government of failing to respect the rule of law.

The activists asked the AU, EAC and SADC to formally request the Tanzanian government to disclose the whereabouts and legal status of Atuhaire, and to activate human rights monitoring mechanisms to investigate the alleged abuses.

"We ask you to raise this matter in bilateral discussions with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, emphasising the importance of transparency and adherence to legal procedures," the statement read.

They also proposed deploying diplomatic observers to monitor court proceedings against Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu at Kisutu Court and called for international legal experts to support human rights defenders involved in the case.

"We call upon your offices to invoke applicable international human rights mechanisms, including UN Special Procedures and regional human rights bodies," they added.

The outcry comes after Boniface Mwangi was found alive in Ukunda, Kwale, three days after he was detained in Tanzania. Mwangi’s lawyer James Wanjeri said the activist had been injured and was rushed to hospital for medical attention.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that arrangements were underway to transfer him to Nairobi for further treatment.

"He is in high spirits. The Commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention," the Commission stated.

Mwangi’s release followed a protest letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Tanzanian authorities, expressing concern over his well-being and condemning the denial of consular access.

"The Ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the Government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr Mwangi. The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing and the absence of information regarding his detention," the letter read.

The ministry said Tanzania had violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which allows foreign officials to visit detained nationals.