Brutal Killing of Tanzanian Opposition Official Raises Concerns

The body of Ally Kibao, a senior opposition official in Tanzania, was found with signs of severe beating and acid burns. His abduction and murder may impact President Samia Suluhu Hassan's reformist image. Investigations have been ordered, with the opposition calling for a judicial probe into the incident and related abductions.

The body of Ally Kibao, a senior opposition official in Tanzania, was discovered on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, showing signs of severe beating and acid burns, according to his political party, CHADEMA.

Kibao, a member of CHADEMA's secretariat, was abducted by armed men from a bus heading to the port city of Tanga. His murder poses a challenge to the reformist image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been striving to reduce repression since taking office after the death of John Magafuli three years ago.

President Hassan has ordered an investigation into what she termed as Kibao's assassination, while police continue to probe the "tragic incident." CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe has called for a judicial commission to investigate this and other abductions, suspecting police involvement. The incident occurred following the recent detention of over 500 CHADEMA supporters by police.

(With inputs from agencies.)