A photo collage of Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi.The United States has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged mistreatment of two activists-Uganda's Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi from Kenya—during their recent detention in Tanzania.
In a statement released through the Bureau of African Affairs, the US expressed its concern over the alleged reports of human rights violations.
"The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists,” the statement reads in part
Atuhaire, a 2024 recipient of the US State Department’s International Women of Courage Award, and Mwangi were reportedly abducted, blindfolded, and detained under harsh conditions.
They had traveled to Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu who is facing treason charges.
Troy Fitrell, acting US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs./HANDOUT
The US also used the opportunity to urge countries in the region to uphold international human rights standards and hold accountable those responsible.
"We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture.”
Recounting her ordeal, Atuhaire described being forced into a dark vehicle by five men and a woman, blindfolded, and driven to an undisclosed location.
"I almost sat on guns… I thought it was over,” she said.
Mwangi, who was earlier found abandoned on a roadside in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, said he had heard Atuhaire "groaning in pain" when they were held together on Tuesday.
Tanzania's government has not commented on the torture claims.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan Monday warned that she would not allow activists from neighbouring countries to "meddle" in her country's affairs and cause "chaos".
