Activists, including TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi, (right) demand the release of Deusdedit Soka (left) a youth leader from the opposition party Chadema. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzanian
authorities are under intense scrutiny as activists demand the release of
Deusdedit Soka, a youth leader from the opposition party Chadema, who was
abducted on August 18, 2024, in Buza. Alongside Soka, two associates, Jacob
Godwin Mlay and Frank Mbise, were also taken. The case has ignited a storm of
protests on social media and intensified calls for justice.
Soka
and Mlay, both leaders in Chadema’s Temeke branch, were reportedly seized by
the police, according to various close associates. Frank Mbise, a commercial
motorcycle driver and former employee of Soka, was also taken.
On
August 19, 2024, Chadema released a statement demanding their immediate
release. The party revealed that Soka's mobile phone, which had been under
police custody since September 2023, was used to falsely imply that Soka was
planning to flee the country due to internal party conflicts.
In
a distressing twist, Soka’s phone, which had not been reactivated, was
reportedly used to spread rumors that he was contemplating escape. Chadema's
statement denounced this as a clear attempt to discredit and destabilize Soka’s
activism.
“The
authorities have crossed a line,” Chadema stated. “They are using our leader’s
phone to propagate falsehoods and undermine his credibility. This is a
deliberate move to silence dissent and quash our voices.”
Soka’s
abduction comes after he had voiced serious concerns about his safety on August
13, 2024. Just before his disappearance, Soka had posted on his X account, warning
that his life was at risk. “The truth that I will make clear before God and the
world,” Soka had written, “is that there is a plan to harm me and make me
disappear completely.” He urged his supporters not to be disheartened but to
stay strong in their fight against oppression.
The
activist’s fears seem justified given his recent experiences. Soka was
previously detained along with other Chadema members as they were en route to
Mbeya for a youth day event, which was canceled due to a police crackdown. His
warnings about a planned assault and potential disappearance have now become a
grim reality.
Soka
had been organizing a demonstration against the increasing trend of abductions
and disappearances in the country, slated for August 26, 2024. This demonstration
was intended to address the growing concern over the systematic targeting of
activists.
His disappearance is the latest in a series of
troubling events. Just last month, Dioniz Kipanya, Chadema’s Rukwa leader, went
missing under mysterious circumstances.
Before
his disappearance, Kipanya was reportedly contacted by individuals claiming to
represent the Rukwa Regional Police Commander. The police have denied any
involvement in his case and claimed they are collaborating with his family to
find him. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions and
disappearances that have raised alarms nationwide.
Critics
like Malisa Godlisten have condemned these actions, labeling them as part of a
broader trend of state violence. “This is not an isolated incident; it’s
indicative of a troubling trend where police seem to act with impunity,”
Godlisten wrote on social media. The growing violence and repression have drawn
strong reactions from human rights groups and activists.
In
response to these issues, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commission, formed
last year to evaluate the performance of Tanzania’s criminal justice
institutions, presented its report on July 15, 2023. The commission, led by
former Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, proposed 13 key reforms aimed at
enhancing justice for Tanzanians.
The
report highlighted systemic corruption and inefficiencies within key
institutions such as the Police Force, National Prosecution Services (NPS),
Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Tanzania Prisons
Services, and the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA). Among the
issues identified were prolonged investigations, misuse of bail rights, and
abuse of power by regional and district officials.
President
Hassan acknowledged the urgent need for reforms. “I am very grateful to the
committee for this comprehensive report. The recommendations offer law
enforcement and security agencies a chance to reassess their performance,” she
said.
She emphasized the need for political leaders
to avoid interfering with the prosecutorial process, noting that powerful
individuals can influence the withdrawal of cases, particularly in tax matters,
due to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) not being required to explain
such decisions.
The
President’s remarks accentuate the importance of implementing the proposed
reforms to restore faith in the justice system and address the pervasive issues
of corruption and abuse. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call
for immediate and effective action remains critical.
