PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a public warning to foreign activists not to interfere in Tanzania’s internal affairs, following the arrest and deportation of two regional human rights defenders who attempted to attend a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
According to Reuters, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were detained on Monday in Dar es Salaam and subsequently deported after trying to observe Lissu’s first court appearance on treason charges.
In a statement posted on social media, Tanzania Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi confirmed the removals, saying: ‘Both individuals have been repatriated under the escort and supervision of officers from the Tanzania Immigration Services Department.’
Activists targeted, others turned away
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) said Mwangi was accused of providing false information to gain entry into the country, though it was unclear why Atuhaire was detained. The pair were reportedly held at the central police station in Dar es Salaam before being deported.
Mwangi, who has been active in anti-government protests in Kenya, posted on X that men claiming to be police came to his hotel room. ‘I’ll go with them once my lawyers arrive,’ he wrote before being taken in.
Several other Kenyan activists, including former justice minister Martha Karua, were also reportedly denied entry at the border.
Hassan’s warning follows human rights concerns
Speaking publicly on Monday, President Hassan cautioned against what she described as international interference. ‘Foreign activists should not invade and interfere in our affairs,’ she said, just hours after the deportations were confirmed.
Her remarks come as Tanzania faces growing criticism over its pre-election environment, with human rights groups warning of a crackdown on dissent. Hassan is seeking a second term in the October 2025 general elections.
While her administration has pledged to respect democratic principles, critics argue that recent arrests and legal actions against political opponents suggest a rollback of civil liberties.
Lissu trial draws regional attention
Lissu, a senior member of the Chadema opposition party, was charged with treason in April for allegedly calling on citizens to resist and disrupt the upcoming elections. He survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and came second in the last presidential race.
At Monday’s hearing, Lissu reportedly urged his supporters ‘not to be afraid’. His legal team confirmed the case has been adjourned until June 2.
No comment from authorities
Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department has not formally acknowledged the arrests. Spokesperson Paul Mselle told Reuters he was unaware of the incident but promised to investigate. Government and police spokespeople did not respond to media requests.
As international scrutiny intensifies, human rights organisations are urging Tanzanian authorities to allow greater transparency and refrain from intimidating observers and opposition voices ahead of the vote.
