The Pan African Progressive Leaders' Solidarity Network, led by its leader, Martha Karua, has written to the African Union, urging it to take action against Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu over claims of illegally detaining Ugandan activist Agathar Atuhaire and her Kenyan counterpart, Boniface Mwangi.
In a letter dated Thursday, May 22, Karua also asked the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene and ensure justice for Atuhaire and Mwangi.
Karua and other activists urged the three institutions to issue formal diplomatic notes to the Tanzanian government requesting clarification on the whereabouts and legal status of Agathar.
The AU, EAC and SADC were also requested to activate their human rights monitoring mechanisms and recommend an inquiry into allegations of illegal detention and torture of the two activists.
"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 activists suggested.
They also recommended the deployment of diplomatic observers to attend court proceedings against Tundu Lissu, Tanzania's leader of the opposition party, at Kisutu Court.
Additionally, the three organisations were told to facilitate international legal expertise to support local human rights defenders working on Tundu Lissu's ongoing case.
"We call upon your offices to invoke applicable international human rights mechanisms, including UN Special Procedures and regional human rights bodies," the activists requested.
In the letter, Karua and other activists slammed Suluhu's actions, including the torture of Mwangi and the continued detention of Atuhaire, which they said threatened the rule of law and human rights principles.
"This situation represents not only a humanitarian concern for the individuals involved but also a troubling indicator of deteriorating human rights and justice standards within the East African Community," read part of the letter.
The latest development comes on the back of Boniface Mwangi's release from detention in Tanzania. Mwangi was found alive on Thursday afternoon in Ukunda after a three-day detention.
Mwangi's lawyer, James Wanjeri, revealed that the activist was rushed to hospital for medical review after sustaining injuries presumed to be from torture he received during the detention period.
