US Sanctions Tanzanian Police Official Over Rights Violations
The United States has imposed sanctions on a senior Tanzanian police official following allegations of "torture and sexual assault" against East African human rights activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire last year.
In an official statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department designated Faustine Jackson Mafwele based on "credible information that he was involved in gross violations of human rights."
Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo informed the BBC that the government had not yet received the formal designation, which prohibits Mafwele from entering the United States.
Background of the Allegations
The sanctions arise amid increasing international scrutiny of Tanzania's human rights record, with US lawmakers advocating for stronger measures.
Activists Mwangi and Atuhaire had traveled to Tanzania in May last year to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. During their visit, they were detained and subsequently released. Kenyan Mwangi reported being held for several days alongside Ugandan Atuhaire.
According to Mwangi, he was subjected to being stripped naked, hung upside down, beaten on his feet, and sexually assaulted while in detention. Atuhaire also alleged that she was raped during her detention in Tanzania.
At the time, Tanzanian police dismissed the allegations of torture, characterizing the activists' accounts as "opinions" and "hearsay."
However, Rubio stated late Thursday that members of the Tanzanian Police Force (TPF) had "detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted" the two activists.
The statement did not explicitly specify Mafwele's role, but Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Riley Barnes affirmed that the US was "taking action to promote accountability for this heinous act."
Documentary and Identification of Mafwele
In February, BBC Africa Eye released a documentary titled Tanzania's State of Fear, which examined a series of kidnappings in Tanzania. Survivors, including Atuhaire and Mwangi, identified Mafwele as the principal perpetrator.
Faustine Jackson Mafwele serves as Tanzania's senior assistant commissioner of police and is the first senior government official under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration to face foreign sanctions.
The BBC has reached out to Tanzanian police for comment.
International Human Rights Response
Amnesty International previously called for an urgent investigation into what it described as the arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention, and forcible deportation of the two activists.
Human Rights Watch also referenced the case in its annual report on Tanzania, highlighting a broader crackdown on opposition figures, activists, and freedom of expression.
Context of Political Repression and Election Violence
The sanctions coincide with ongoing investigations into reports of political repression and abuses related to the general election held in Tanzania last October.
A commission of inquiry established to investigate the post-election violence announced last month that a total of 518 people died, including 197 who were shot dead during widespread protests following the disputed election.
The commission did not assign responsibility for the killings but attributed the violence to foreign-sponsored groups. However, opposition parties and human rights organizations contend that the death toll was higher and accuse security forces of shooting unarmed protesters.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 98% of the vote. The opposition described the election as a "mockery" of democracy after the exclusion of her main challengers.
At the time, President Samia asserted that the election was fair and transparent, blaming foreigners for the violence and alleging it was part of a plot to overthrow her administration.
The authorities have acknowledged using force against protesters, claiming that certain groups attempted to forcibly change the regime.
Calls for Stronger US Action
On Tuesday, US lawmakers urged for more stringent measures against Tanzania to counter what they describe as democratic backsliding.
In December, Washington accused the Tanzanian government of repressing religious freedom and free speech, obstructing US investment, and failing to prevent violence before and after last year's elections.
The US stated that these actions endangered American citizens, tourists, and US interests, threatening decades of security and development cooperation.
The Tanzanian authorities have not issued a response.
Political Leadership and Human Rights Climate
President Samia assumed office in 2021 as Tanzania's first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.
Initially, she was praised for easing political repression; however, the political space has since contracted.
