CCM calls for patience after Chadema’s kidnapping and murder ultimatum

Dar es Salaam. The ruling CCM party has joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan's call to speed up investigations into the recent wave of kidnappings and killings that has caused political uncertainty in Tanzania.

The climax of the kidnappings and murders was the recovery of the body of Ally Mohamed Kibao, a member of the opposition party's secretariat who had been kidnapped the day before.

The opposition Chadema cadre was reported missing on Friday evening, September 6, 2024, while traveling on a Tashrif bus from Dar es Salaam to Tanga and was forcibly dragged out of the vehicle by unknown assailants.

The incident was strongly condemned by political decision-makers, diplomats, clergy and Tanzanians from other walks of life and demanded that the government take action to stop the wave, creating a bad image for the country, which is considered a paradise of peace.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is among the Tanzanians saddened by the incident. She expressed her deep sadness over the killing and used her X-page (formerly Twitter) to express her condolences to Chadema, the family, relatives and friends of the deceased.

In her message, President Hassan called on the investigating authorities to submit a detailed report on this tragic incident and similar cases as soon as possible.

She reiterated that Tanzania is a democratic nation where every citizen has the right to life and that her government will not tolerate such brutal acts.

But after the funeral in his home region of Tanga, Chadema leaders held a press conference at party headquarters and gave the government a ten-day ultimatum to provide details of some missing party cadres and members.

Chadema has named three cadres who recently disappeared after notifying Temeke police station to collect their stolen motorcycle.

They include the party’s Temeke District Secretary, Mr Jacob Mlay, the District Chairman of the Youth Organisation (Bavicha), Mr Deusdedit Soka, and another member who also works as a bodaboda taxi driver, Frank Mbise.

Following this new development, the Secretary General of the CCM, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, told editors of various media in the country on Friday, September 13, 2924, that patience, calm and a well-founded response were needed instead of ultimatums.

“These acts could be committed by various groups, including the opposition, the police or even the CCM. Therefore, thorough investigations are needed to expose the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.

Dr Nchimbi criticised Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe’s ultimatum to the President, saying he was surprised that the opposition party was going along with the divisive agenda and thereby doing a favour to those behind the incidents.

He cited an incident in the United States as an example of how to avoid “divisive blame games” and reminded critics of the constitutional legitimacy of President Samia’s leadership.

“The kidnapping and murder of Tanzanians are acts of sabotage against the government and the ruling party,” said Dr. Nchimbi, condemning those responsible for the incidents.

He stressed that the CCM shares President Hassan's view on the urgency of investigating the crimes and taking strict measures against the perpetrators.

The CCM executive said the country's security and stability remained the ruling party's top priority, adding that it was firmly committed to upholding the provisions of the constitution and ensuring public confidence.

Dr Nchimbi urged a unified approach to addressing security challenges rather than blame games and avoiding political posturing.

In his response to the call for foreign investigators, the former Interior Minister reiterated the CCM's stance that the investigation should be led by the government.

He promised that the CCM would provide external support if necessary to uncover the full extent of the criminal network involved.

Regarding reconciliation with the opposition parties, the leader of the ruling party announced that there were informal talks with Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo.

He stressed the importance of trusting the dialogue process and expressed optimism that the talks would soon take on an official character.

According to him, CCM remains committed to resolving the crisis and ensuring the security of Tanzanians.