Like the biblical adage of Abel’s blood crying out from the ground, voices demanding accountability following a wave of abductions in the country—and the brutal killing of Ali Kibao—could not be ignored during Kibao’s burial ceremony in his hometown of Tanga.
“Masauni resign! Masauni resign! Masauni resign!” mourners chanted, interrupting the speech of Tanzania’s Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni. The Minister was forced to pause his speech for eight minutes. He only managed to continue after Freeman Mbowe, Chairperson of the CHADEMA party, reasoned with the crowd to allow the Minister to finish.
Kibao, a father of six, a respected community member, former military officer, and Kagera War hero turned businessman and politician, was abducted on the evening of September 6, 2024. His body was found dumped the next morning, disfigured beyond recognition after acid was poured on his face.
At the time of his abduction, Kibao, a senior advisor and member of the opposition party CHADEMA Secretariat, had been in Dar es Salaam attending a party meeting that concluded on September 5, 2024.
“I still remember his facial expression and the last words he told me on September 5, 2024, as we said our goodbyes. We have truly lost an important figure in our party,” said John Mnyika, CHADEMA’s Party Secretary, during the funeral.
Calls for Accountability
In his speech, CHADEMA’s Secretary-General directly addressed Minister Masauni, calling for accountability from the Ministry and the police.
“I support the call from others regarding your accountability because this incident occurred within the institutions you oversee,” Mnyika said.
He added: “But please, Masauni, convey this message to your fellow ministers: the Police Force is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, but the National Security Service is structurally under the President and policy-wise under the Minister of Public Service. Accountability needs to go beyond the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police to address the task forces and illegal groups involved in these incidents.”
Former Member of Parliament Godbless Lema also called for Masauni’s resignation after delivering a long, impassioned speech.
“You are hurting us, you are hurting us. After yesterday’s statement by the President, I expected you [Hamad Masauni] to resign, the IGP to resign, and all the responsible leaders to resign. I say this not to disrespect you; I respect you, but you are the Minister of Home Affairs—help us,” Lema said.
The Vice-Chairperson of the ACT Wazalendo party, Isihaka Mchinjita, echoed Lema’s sentiment: “We have already called for the Minister’s resignation. He should have taken action from the start of this incident.”
These calls from opposition leaders come as the diplomatic community also weighed in. The murder of Kibao and the wave of abductions have sent shockwaves through the nation, which is already grappling with fear over disappearances.
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania issued a statement urging an independent investigation into the incidents:
“The United States joins those calling for an independent, transparent, and prompt investigation into the ongoing abductions and the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao. Murder, disappearances, and last month’s detentions, beatings, and other efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of elections should have no place in a democracy,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Canadian Embassy in Tanzania said, “it is deeply alarmed and saddened by the brutal killing of Ali Mohamed Kibao and strongly supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s urgent call for an investigation.”
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Desperation
CHADEMA Chairperson Freeman Mbowe, visibly emotional during his remarks, spoke of his long relationship with Kibao, whom he had known since 1989 before either had entered politics.
“He was an honest man who wouldn’t hurt anyone,” said Mbowe, addressing Masauni. “You have to understand these people. When they act this way, they are in pain. What should I tell these families when they ask me, ‘Mbowe, where are our children?’”
He continued: “Please tell the President she has the authority to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate these incidents and many others that remain hidden. Beyond the political realm, many other Tanzanians are disappearing—some not even involved in politics, just regular business-people.”
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Godbless Lema, in an emotional appeal, shared that he had been informed that he was being hunted by kidnappers due to his political views.
“Honorable Minister, as you were arriving here, I received a message saying that if Boniface Jacob and I survive this month without being abducted or killed, we should thank God,” said Lema, who returned from exile on March 1, 2023, after fleeing the country in 2020 upon learning of plans to abduct or kill him.
“Now, as I head back to Arusha, I don’t even know if I’ll arrive safely. My child is crying, my wife is crying. Honorable Minister, I promised my daughter I would be there on her wedding day. She’s just 15 now. Please help me fulfill that promise,” Lema added.
In his address to the mourners, Minister Masauni assured the public that the government would not let Kibao’s death go unpunished.
“We are deeply saddened, disheartened, and troubled. This should never have happened, especially in our country, which we have always prided ourselves on for its peace and security,” Masauni said.
He added: “I assure the mourners, especially the family, that as a government, we will not let this matter pass without action. The directives from the Honorable President are already being implemented, and those found responsible will face justice. I urge everyone to stop making baseless accusations. If they have evidence, they should present it so we can take steps to identify and prosecute those involved.”
