May 27, 2025
The World Liberty Congress (WLC) is outraged by the arrest, brutal torture, and inhumane treatment of human rights defenders Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire during their recent visit to Tanzania. These appalling acts of state-sponsored violence represent a dangerous escalation in authoritarian repression across East Africa.
Mwangi, a renowned Kenyan activist and photojournalist, and Atuhaire, a prominent Ugandan lawyer and journalist, were among a delegation of lawyers, politicians, and civil society actors who traveled to Dar es Salaam to observe and support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has been imprisoned since April 9th, 2025, and is currently facing politically motivated treason charges. Lissu’s “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign has galvanized democratic movements across the region by demanding electoral reform and the establishment of an independent electoral commission. If convicted, Lissu faces the death penalty—an outcome that would silence the country’s leading opposition voice and likely secure a one-sided election in October.
Instead of ensuring the safety and lawful presence of these regional observers, Tanzanian authorities responded with unlawful arrests, deportations, and—most disturbingly—acts of torture. Over four days, Mwangi and Atuhaire were handcuffed, blindfolded, stripped, and subjected to repeated physical and psychological abuse. Their testimonies describe the chilling use of state security services acting under the direction of a man believed to report directly to Tanzania’s head of government, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Instructions were reportedly given to “give them the Tanzanian treatment.”
The abuse included sexual assault, targeted humiliation, and mock executions. In an especially harrowing detail, Ms. Atuhaire was forced to repeatedly “thank Mama Samia” during her ordeal. These actions are not only a gross violation of human dignity but also an affront to international human rights law and Tanzania’s own constitutional obligations.
WLC calls for:
- An immediate, independent international investigation into the torture of Mwangi and Atuhaire.
- Public identification and prosecution of all individuals involved in the ordering and execution of their abuse.
- Pressure from regional bodies and international governments to end impunity for human rights violations in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
- Global solidarity with Tundu Lissu, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and all political prisoners in East Africa facing lawfare, detention, and violence for exercising fundamental freedoms.
These events are part of a broader pattern of escalating repression in East Africa ahead of major elections: Tanzania in October 2025, Uganda in January 2026, and Kenya in August 2027. The international community must not ignore these warning signs. The use of torture, enforced disappearance, and political violence cannot become normalized.
The World Liberty Congress stands with all pro-democracy activists risking their lives to demand freedom, justice, and dignity. We urge democratic governments and global institutions to act now—before repression becomes entrenched and irreversible in the region.
World Liberty Congress
