President Samia Suluhu has directed the Tanzania Police Force to intensify efforts to curb incidents of disappearances in the country. She made the remarks while addressing Parliament on June 27, 2025, during her speech to dissolve the legislative body.
“I directed the Police Force to increase efforts to end incidents of disappearances,” President Samia said.
The directive has sparked widespread discussion across various platforms, particularly because Parliament has largely avoided discussing the issue.
“I wish that President Samia Suluhu had spoken about this three years ago. However, this statement is an important step toward eliminating these acts. My advice to you, Madam President, is act on the report of the Criminal Justice Commission you established, which was led by Judge Othman Chande,” said Isihaka Mchinjita, ACT Wazalendo Vice Chairperson.
President Samia’s directive comes just days after a press release issued on June 13, 2025, by UN experts, in which they expressed concern over a “pattern of enforced disappearance and torture to silence opposition and critics” in Tanzania.
“We urge Tanzanian authorities to immediately stop concealing information about those arrested, as this amounts to enforced disappearance. They must also investigate and hold perpetrators to account for all violations,” the experts said in the press release.
Following the UN statement, the police released a long-winded report outlining cases they have resolved, most of which were unknown to the public. The report attributed many disappearance incidents to staged abductions, witchcraft, romantic entanglements, and individuals traveling to join extremist groups.
Despite these explanations, several cases of unresolved abductions persist in the country. Common features reported include perpetrators identifying themselves as police officers, using white Land Cruisers, being armed, and employing sophisticated surveillance techniques.
