A Tanzanian journalist, identified only as Bin Sulleh for his safety, has fled to Kenya claiming he was abducted and tortured by Tanzanian police for publishing stories critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Speaking from an undisclosed location, Bin Sulleh painted a grim picture of the current situation in Tanzania, accusing the government of silencing dissenting voices through abductions, killings, and intimidation.
He alleged that security agencies are targeting opposition members, journalists, and activists following the disputed general election that handed President Samia a 97% victory.
“Magufuli could arrest people and deal with them according to the law. Samia is arresting, abducting, and killing them,” he said.
“Our media credibility has been destroyed, from getting over 1,000 views to barely 15 in a national station.”
According to Bin Sulleh, Tanzanian authorities have tightened control over digital media, forcing anyone who wishes to run a blog or YouTube channel to register with the government at a fee. Failure to comply, he said, attracts accusations of spreading false information.
He also criticized the country’s constitution, saying it grants excessive powers to the president, including immunity from election challenges.
During the last polls, he claimed, only two political parties, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and Chama Cha Uzalendo, were allowed to participate, while others were banned.
According to him, the situation worsened after President Samia ordered the arrest of her major political rival, Tundu Lissu, deepening fears of authoritarianism.
His revelations comes amid growing international concern over human rights violations in Tanzania. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has called for investigations into alleged post-election killings and reports of security forces concealing evidence.
Bin Sulleh is now appealing for intervention from global human rights bodies, saying he fears for his life and that of his family as Tanzania faces one of its darkest political moments.
