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| Chadema, National Chairman Freeman Mbowe, addresses party leaders from Dar es Salaam and Pwani on the resolutions from today’s meetings, held on September 11, 2024.Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam-The opposition party Chama cha Demokrasi na Maendeleo (Chadema) has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding an explanation for the whereabouts of its missing children, leaders, and members.
The party has set a deadline of September 21, 2024, for the government to provide answers. The call for accountability was made public during a live-streamed meeting on Wednesday, September 11, at the party's headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, led by National Chairman Freeman Mbowe.
“This issue must come to an end,” Mbowe declared, emphasizing the party's determination to see justice served. “Since they have refused to resolve it, we will compel them to do so. To achieve this, we must stand united, each of us supporting the other. We will defend every Chadema member whose blood is spilled with all our might.”
Mbowe’s remarks were directed towards the disappearance of key party figures, including Deusdedith Soka, Chairman of Temeke District, Secretary Jacob Mlay, and their motorcycle driver, Frank Mbise. These individuals were reportedly abducted after being summoned by police to track a stolen motorcycle.
Legal experts and human rights groups have voiced concerns over the case. They argue that the government must ensure the safe return of the missing individuals and address allegations of unlawful detention.
The court has previously instructed the police to locate the missing members. However, there has been no concrete evidence provided regarding their detention. Judge Thomas Mihayo has emphasized that the authorities must uphold their legal obligations to ensure the safety of the missing individuals. "The government must act transparently and by the law to resolve this troubling situation," Mihayo stated.
Human rights organizations have echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate and transparent action from the authorities. Tanganyika Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi has highlighted the broader implications of the case, stressing that continued inaction could further erode public trust in legal institutions and exacerbate social tensions. “Failure to address these issues promptly and effectively will undermine confidence in our justice system and could lead to increased unrest,” Mwabukusi warned.
