Deputy Secretary-General of Youth Wing ACT Wazalendo Ms. Ruqayya M. Nassir. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam – In a powerful statement, Ruqayya M. Nassir, Deputy Secretary-General of ACT Wazalendo, issued a strong call for action following the alarming abductions and escalating human rights violations in Tanzania.
“The time for silence is over. We demand immediate answers from the Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, regarding the abduction of our youth leaders,” she declared.
The party’s youth wing is deeply concerned about the safety of its members, including their chairman, Abdul Nondo, who was kidnapped under mysterious circumstances.
ACT Wazalendo’s youth have expressed outrage over the lack of clear communication from the authorities, stating that the ongoing kidnappings are a direct attack on their democratic rights. "We cannot continue to live in fear.
The police have failed to act in a manner that is transparent and accountable,” said Nassir. The party’s youth leaders have rallied together, demanding that the police provide credible updates on the missing individuals, such as Deusdedit Soka, Adinani Hussein Mbezi, and Dioniz Kipanya, all of whom have vanished without a trace.
Nassir emphasized that the abductions are only one aspect of a growing pattern of oppression in Tanzania. “We are not just fighting for our youth members, we are fighting for every Tanzanian whose rights are being trampled upon,” she stated.
The ACT Wazalendo youth wing insists that the government’s approach to suppressing opposition voices and threatening activists is a violation of human dignity. "This is not a political issue; it’s a human rights issue,” Nassir said.
The situation has sparked a national outcry, with Tanzanians from all walks of life condemning the crackdown on dissent. In her statement, Nassir appealed to Tanzanians to unite against the growing authoritarianism.
“This is not the time to stand by and watch. We must all stand together in the face of this injustice,” she urged. She also called on the police to restore public confidence by adhering to the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
In a particularly poignant statement, Nassir addressed the emotional toll the abductions have taken on the families and communities involved. “The abductions are not just numbers or headlines; they represent real people, real families, and real pain.
This has gone on long enough,” she stressed. The ACT Wazalendo youth wing has vowed to continue its fight for justice, regardless of the risks involved.
In response to the growing repression, the party also issued a call for the international community to intervene. "We urge international human rights organizations and diplomatic bodies to take note of these violations and support efforts to hold the government accountable," Nassir said. ACT Wazalendo has made it clear that it will not be intimidated by threats or political pressure, and it is committed to exposing the truth at all costs.
Nassir also highlighted the broader implications of these actions for Tanzania’s future. "The attacks on opposition members and activists are a direct threat to the future of democracy in this country. We cannot allow this to continue,” she said.
The party has called for a renewed commitment to human rights and freedom of expression, stating that it will continue to push for reforms that ensure every Tanzanian’s rights are respected.
Echoing the urgency of the situation, Nassir concluded: “We are at a crossroads. The choices we make now will shape the future of this country. Will we continue down the path of fear and repression, or will we stand together to demand a future built on justice, accountability, and democracy?”