The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about political violence in the country.
According to the party, Nandor was abducted at the Magufuli bus terminal in Dar es Salaam on December 1, shortly after returning from a week-long campaign in Kigoma for local government elections.
ACT Wazalendo's Deputy Secretary for the Youth Wing, Ruqayya Mahmoud, confirmed the abduction, stating that two party officials had rushed to the scene and found Nandor's belongings, including a bag of clothes and a notebook, suggesting he had been taken by force.
Police later confirmed the abduction, reporting that two men had abducted Nandor in the early hours of Sunday, using a white four-wheel-drive vehicle. Mahmoud, however, raised concerns about the involvement of the police, stating that the vehicle seen at the scene was later found parked at the Kabamba Dugoni police station. Witnesses claimed to have seen individuals trying to alter the vehicle’s number plate, further implicating the police in the abduction.
While police have not disclosed Nandor’s whereabouts, Mahmoud explained that ACT Wazalendo’s intelligence suggests the car used in the abduction was traced to the police station, raising suspicions about possible collusion between law enforcement and those responsible for the act. "The police are directly connected to what happened to our chairman," Mahmoud said, condemning the actions as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation in Tanzania.
This is not the first time opposition figures have been targeted in the country. Just two months ago, six members of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, commonly known as CHADEMA opposition party were abducted, with their whereabouts still unknown. Mahmoud emphasised that such abductions have become a recurring trend for those opposing the government, with many fearing for their safety when speaking out against state actions.
"The government sees those who oppose them as enemies," she added. "Any young opposition member who dares to speak out or demonstrate is often silenced, either through abduction or worse."
Despite these fears, Mahmoud confirmed that Nandor had been found alive at a local beach, though he was badly beaten and in poor health. He has since been hospitalised at Atakhan Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
The political climate in Tanzania has been marked by rising tensions, with opposition parties accusing the government of stifling dissent and restricting democratic freedoms. The ACT Wazalendo party has vowed to continue advocating for justice and the protection of human rights, despite the challenges.
Mahmoud acknowledged the difficulty of seeking justice in such an environment, stating, "It’s too dark to say that justice will prevail when the arms of justice are involved in these acts." She urged Tanzanians to unite against political violence and protect the peace of the country, even as she expressed doubt about the prospects for a fair investigation.
As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering whether the authorities will address the growing concerns over political abductions and whether those responsible will be held accountable.
--ChannelAfrica--
