Tanzania President Condemns Acid Attack Killing Of Opposition Figure

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned the brutal murder of Mohamed Ali Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition party, Chadema. Kibao, 69, was kidnapped, beaten, and doused with acid before being killed.

On Friday, Kibao was forcibly removed from a bus by suspected security agents while traveling from Dar es Salaam to his hometown, Tanga. His body was later discovered in the Ununio district of Dar es Salaam, according to local media.

A post-mortem revealed that Kibao had been “severely beaten” and had acid poured on his face, Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe said. President Samia denounced the “brutal acts” and called for a swift investigation into the killing, emphasizing that Tanzania is a democracy where “every citizen has the right to live.”

Kibao, a retired military intelligence officer who joined Chadema in 2008, will be buried in Tanga on Monday. His death has sparked outrage, with opposition leaders expressing concern over the growing threat to their safety.

Chadema leaders and rights groups have raised alarm over a broader crackdown on political opposition. Last month, senior Chadema leaders, including Mbowe and deputy Tundu Lissu, were arrested for attempting to hold a youth rally, which authorities said was banned to prevent violence.

President Samia had previously lifted a ban on opposition gatherings and pledged to restore competitive politics, but recent events have prompted fears of a return to repressive practices. Human Rights Watch recently warned of the growing arrests of opposition activists ahead of the 2025 presidential elections.