Tanzanian Ex-Ambassador Abducted Amid Rising Political Tensions

Family alleges violent abduction of outspoken government critic Humphrey Polepole as authorities question the reports and investigations continue.

A former Tanzanian ambassador and vocal critic of the government, Humphrey Polepole, has allegedly been abducted by unidentified individuals, his family has told the BBC. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday at his home in Dar es Salaam. His brother, Godfrey Polepole, described a horrifying scene, saying the family found the door broken, electric wires cut, and a large amount of blood on the floor. Videos of the bloody scene have since surfaced online, sparking public concern.

Police Question Circumstances of the Incident

Dar es Salaam’s police chief, Jumanne Muliro, confirmed that investigations were underway but appeared skeptical of the abduction claims. He told the BBC that Polepole had previously claimed to be outside the country, asking, “So how could this happen at his home in Tanzania?” The police chief added that they were also following developments closely to understand what truly happened.

Official Investigation Underway

National police spokesperson David Misime issued a statement acknowledging that authorities had seen the reports circulating online and were investigating. He said police had been expecting Polepole to respond to official summons regarding allegations he made against government officials since his resignation. Misime emphasized that the police would provide updates once more details became available.

Resignation and Growing Friction with the Government

Earlier this year, Humphrey Polepole resigned from his ambassadorial position in Cuba after publicly criticizing the Tanzanian government. He declared that he could no longer serve in an administration that “disrespects justice, the rule of law, and constitutional principles.” Following his resignation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan formally revoked his diplomatic status, signaling a growing rift between Polepole and the state.

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Claims of Harassment and Intimidation

Polepole has long claimed that he faced intimidation after stepping down. He alleged that armed men had been seen near his residence, harassing his family and conducting raids on his home. Despite these complaints, he said no significant progress had been made in police investigations. His warnings about personal threats, which many dismissed at the time, have now drawn renewed attention following his disappearance.

Criminal Allegations and Police Summons

Last month, Tanzanian police opened a file against Polepole, suggesting that his online statements and accusations could amount to criminal offences, though no specific charges were revealed. He was summoned to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to assist in ongoing inquiries. His family insists he had planned to cooperate but was abducted before he could respond to the summons.

Political Climate Ahead of General Elections

The alleged abduction comes at a time of heightened political tension in Tanzania. The country is preparing for general elections on 29 October, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeking a second and final term in office. After initially being praised for expanding political freedoms following the death of former president John Magufuli, she has recently faced accusations of authoritarianism and political repression.

Opposition Crackdown and Rising Repression

The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the upcoming polls, while its leader Tundu Lissu has been detained since April. Another prominent opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified from running, leaving only minor parties to contest against the incumbent president. These developments have sparked concerns from international observers about the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Pattern of Abductions and Silencing of Critics

Human rights advocates have reported an alarming increase in abductions of government critics and opposition voices in recent months. Many of these cases remain unresolved, deepening fears about Tanzania’s commitment to civil liberties and democratic governance. The disappearance of Humphrey Polepole, a once-prominent diplomat turned critic, is seen by many as part of this broader pattern of repression.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

Civil society organizations and international human rights groups are urging Tanzanian authorities to ensure Polepole’s safety and conduct a transparent investigation. They argue that the government must take swift action to end the climate of fear and restore public confidence in the justice system. For now, Polepole’s fate remains unknown, adding to the growing unease surrounding Tanzania’s political landscape ahead of the national elections.

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