Tanzania’s CSOs call for a commission to investigate cases of abductions, disappearances

DAR ES SALAAM: THE ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has received proposals from more than 300 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the country, calling for the establishment of an independent civilian commission to investigate cases of abductions and enforced disappearances, as well as urging the government to sign international treaties protecting individuals from such violations.

The proposals were presented in Dar es Salaam by the National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, and were received by CCM’s Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), John Mongella.

Olengurumwa said the proposals aim to present key issues that require urgent action before and after this year’s general election.

He noted that the proposals focus on ending abductions and enforced disappearances, protecting media and civil society freedoms, facilitating national dialogue for reconciliation, and advancing the process of a new constitution through broad public participation.

He further revealed that between 2023 and 2025, over 100 cases of abductions and disappearances have been reported in the country, involving human rights defenders, journalists, and politicians.

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Additionally, the CSOs have called on the government to establish an independent civilian commission to investigate these incidents and to sign international conventions that protect individuals from enforced disappearances. They also urged the government to strengthen political and social freedoms, allowing civil society organizations, the media, and political parties to operate without fear, and to restore public confidence ahead of the upcoming general election.

For his part, CCM’s Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), John Mongella, said the party recognizes the crucial role of civil society in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in Tanzania. He emphasized that CCM will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the issues raised by CSOs are treated as an opportunity to build a nation founded on unity, peace, and equal justice for all.