Nairobi, Kenya — Pan-African leaders are sounding the alarm over the detention and alleged torture of prominent East African human rights activists in Tanzania, following a strongly worded letter by Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and convener of the Pan African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network.
In a formal communication addressed to the African Union (AU), African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, Karua called for immediate diplomatic and legal intervention from regional and continental bodies. Her letter condemned the unlawful arrest, incommunicado detention, and alleged torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire.
The two were reportedly part of a civil society delegation sent to observe the ongoing trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu when they were detained shortly after arriving in the country. According to Karua, their arrest on Monday, May 19, follows the earlier deportation of six other international trial observers, including a former Chief Justice, a former Minister of Justice, and a member of the Law Society of Kenya Council.
“This situation represents not only a humanitarian concern for the individuals involved but also a troubling indicator of deteriorating human rights and justice standards within the East African Community,” Karua stated. “Your diplomatic influence is crucial in ensuring that member states uphold their commitments to human rights and the rule of law.”
Ten Urgent Demands
Karua’s letter outlines ten urgent demands directed at the continental and regional bodies:
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Issue formal diplomatic notes to the Tanzanian government seeking clarification on Atuhaire’s whereabouts.
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Activate human rights monitoring mechanisms and raise inquiries into the allegations of illegal detention and torture.
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Raise the matter diplomatically with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to emphasize adherence to legal and human rights protocols.
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Coordinate a joint diplomatic statement condemning the forced disappearances and calling for immediate action.
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Convene an extraordinary EAC meeting to address the breach of regional human rights protocols.
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Deploy diplomatic observers to monitor court proceedings if the activists are formally charged.
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Review bilateral assistance programs to incorporate human rights compliance conditions.
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Provide international legal expertise to support local defenders.
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Invoke UN Special Procedures and other international mechanisms to escalate the issue.
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Maintain public diplomacy to uphold human rights and democratic governance in East Africa.
Karua gave the organisations a 72-hour window to respond, urging urgent diplomatic engagement.
Survivor Speaks Out
Boniface Mwangi reappeared in public on Thursday, visibly shaken and physically weakened. Speaking to journalists, he revealed harrowing details of the ordeal.
“I have gone through four very dark days; I have been tortured very badly—I can barely walk,” Mwangi said. “But I am very concerned about Agather because we were tortured together, and they did very horrible things to us. So, I hope Agather is safe.”
There is still no official word from Tanzanian authorities on Atuhaire’s whereabouts or legal status. Her continued absence is fueling growing fears among regional civil society groups and international observers.
Growing Regional Tensions
The detentions and deportations come amid heightened scrutiny of Tanzania’s judicial and political landscape. The trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu, a vocal critic of the current administration, has drawn regional attention due to concerns about judicial independence and the rule of law.
Karua’s call for regional solidarity echoes similar concerns raised in recent years about democratic backsliding across the East African region.
Observers say how the AU, EAC, and SADC respond could set a critical precedent for human rights enforcement in Africa.
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