By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es salaam– The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has raised alarm over a growing wave of abductions in Tanzania, following an attempted abduction of businessman Deogratius Tarimo.
Videos circulating online reveal the disturbing incident, where Mr. Tarimo, a resident of Kibaha in the Pwani region, was nearly abducted outside a hotel in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, on Friday, November 11, 2024.
LHRC on November 13, 2024, expressed grave concern over the rise in abductions, noting that such incidents violate fundamental rights enshrined in Tanzania's 1977 Constitution. Many of these cases reportedly involve a lack of accountability, with suspicions often directed at security forces, including the police and military. The organization emphasized that these abductions pose a significant threat to public safety, human rights, and the rule of law.
Under Article 15 of the Constitution, arbitrary detention and deprivation of personal freedom are strictly prohibited, while Article 14 safeguards the right to life and security. In the video, Mr. Tarimo is seen pleading for help, crying, "Help me; I am being taken to be killed."
His pleas were met with inaction from bystanders, highlighting what LHRC described as a troubling lack of societal responsibility in protecting each other’s lives. The incident has sparked critical questions about the role of the community in safeguarding one another, as well as the accountability of law enforcement.
Following this incident, LHRC called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the attempted abduction, stressing the importance of bringing those involved to justice and restoring public trust in Tanzania’s security agencies.
The government, LHRC urged, must view this case not as an isolated incident but as part of a broader, concerning trend in abductions. The organization called on authorities to act swiftly to protect the rights and lives of citizens, including holding accountable any officials or agencies found complicit in such activities.
LHRC also appealed to the Tanzanian community to remain vigilant and take active responsibility for protecting one another, in line with the constitutional right to life and security. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the rising threats posed by these abductions.
