The Pan African Progressive Leaders’ Solidarity Network led by veteran Kenyan politician Martha Karua has petitioned the African Union to take action against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu over the alleged illegal detention and torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agathar Atuhaire.
In a strongly worded letter dated Thursday, May 22, Karua and fellow activists urged the AU, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to urgently intervene in the escalating diplomatic and human rights crisis.
The activists called on the three bodies to demand formal clarification from the Tanzanian government on the whereabouts and legal status of Atuhaire, who remains missing, and to launch an independent inquiry into claims of abuse and arbitrary detention.
“We ask you to raise this matter in bilateral discussions with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, emphasising the importance of transparency and adherence to legal procedures,” the letter reads.
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/112350-activists-led-martha-karua-write-african-union-demanding-action-against-suluhu?utm_source=X&utm_medium=AK
Karua’s coalition further recommended the deployment of diplomatic observers to monitor the court proceedings of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing trial at the Kisutu Court in Dar es Salaam.
They also urged the organisations to provide international legal assistance to local human rights defenders engaged in Lissu’s defense.
The petition slams President Suluhu’s administration for what it describes as systemic violations of human rights, calling the detention of Mwangi and Atuhaire a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
The letter comes just hours after Boniface Mwangi was found in Ukunda, Kenya, following a harrowing three-day disappearance.
His lawyer, James Wanjeri, confirmed Mwangi had sustained injuries consistent with torture and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
