Tension Rises in Tanzania: Opposition Party Leaders Targeted

A senior member of Tanzania's opposition party CHADEMA, Aisha Machano, was abducted and tortured, sparking concerns over governmental repression. This follows the abduction and murder of another CHADEMA official, potentially tarnishing President Samia Suluhu Hassan's reformist reputation ahead of upcoming elections.

Tensions are escalating in Tanzania as unidentified individuals forcibly abducted and assaulted Aisha Machano, a senior official of the opposition CHADEMA party, leaving her severely injured in a forest. This incident shadows the murder of another party leader, raising questions about the reformist image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Opposition leaders and rights activists allege that the government is targeting political rivals as local elections approach in December, followed by a national vote in 2025. However, authorities deny these claims. According to CHADEMA, Machano was kidnapped in Kibiti while on official party duties.

Police have initiated an investigation into her abduction, urging public calm as they seek to reveal the perpetrators and their motives. The abduction is the second attack on a senior opposition figure in recent weeks, after the murder of Ali Kibao, which prompted demonstrations against escalating violence and disappearances.

(With inputs from agencies.)