JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Government Drops Charges Against 219 Treason Suspects, Including Niffer and Mika
A total of 219 suspects arrested following demonstrations and violence after the October 2025 General Election were released across the country today. This comes after the Government, through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), informed the court that it does not wish to continue with its prosecution under section 92 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). According to the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) via Advocate Maduhu William, those released include 53 in Dar es Salaam, 105 in Arusha, 34 in Mafinga, 18 in Dodoma, and 9 in Kahama.The DPP's office need not give a reason, and once the statement is entered, the proceedings are immediately discontinued. However, in Dar es Salaam, 10 suspects are still awaiting return to court following Monday, when it is expected that the charge sheet may be amended and serious charges, such as treason, may be downgraded to bailable offenses.
Among those who were closely followed in these cases were Jeniffer Jovin (Niffer) and Mika Chavala, who have also been released. Upon her release, Niffer thanked those who prayed for her. Shortly afterward, she spoke to the press, calling for peace and wisdom, and urging the youth to recognize the consequences of their actions. She also thanked the President for the step that allowed her to return to her life without legal restrictions, stating that she belongs to no political party and does not engage in politics.
Citizens' Opinions:
A significant debate has emerged after Niffer thanked President Samia for ordering the dismissal of the cases and calling for peace, urging youth not to engage in violence, as freedom is valuable. Citizens suggest she was instructed to offer thanks and make that call to persuade the youth not to participate in further demonstrations.
Others have said that continuing to drop cases against these suspects is the Government's way of showing it wants reconciliation and the return of peace to the country. However, they argue that this cannot happen until all those who caused the deaths of citizens are held accountable, and the Government is dissolved to pave the way for another election, stating they did not elect this Government.
Government Files Economic Sabotage Charges Against Activist Mange Kimambi
Famous social media activist Mange Kimambi, who resides in the United States, has been charged with economic sabotage, allegedly involving money laundering amounting to Tsh. 138.5 Million. Criminal Case No. 000021172 of 2025 was filed on August 28, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam, and is scheduled for mention on December 4, 2025, before Chief Resident Magistrate Hassan Makube.According to the charge sheet, Mange is alleged to have obtained the money between March 1 and 31, 2022, knowing it was the proceeds of crime. It is further alleged that she acquired it by practicing journalism without a permit and demanding it through extortion. The charge stems from section 12(1)(d) and 13(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Chapter 423 of 2019, read together with the Economic Sabotage Act.
On December 2, Mange stated on social media that she had received information about the opening of the case, claiming that the Government of Tanzania is determined to extradite and imprison her for criticizing the Government and exposing corruption within the country.
It should be recalled that on November 5, the new Attorney General, Hamza Johari, said his office is looking into how to take action against Mange for allegations of inciting demonstrations, stating that the Government would use cooperation treaties with the United States to assess the possibility of extraditing the suspect. Johari added that they cannot leave Mange to "boast" by inciting Tanzanians to demonstrate without taking any action, explaining that he was instructed to do so after being appointed to the position.
Alongside these events, the social media pages (Instagram) of the activist have been closed by META. In contrast, the page of another activist, Maria Sarungi, has been blocked from viewing in Tanzania after the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) submitted legal requirements to META.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have criticized this Government initiative, calling it a waste of time and national resources that could be better spent on other essential matters. They added that instead of harassing activists and citizens who criticize the Government, abducting and/or killing them, the Government should be accountable for its actions and ensure citizens receive quality services, as that is the only way to bring justice and allow people to live in peace.
Furthermore, others say the Government is further damaging diplomatic relations with other countries and increasing public anger, a matter that continues to threaten the country's economic situation and welfare.
Regarding the blocking and restrictions on these activists' social media pages in the country, some have told the Government of Tanzania that it cannot compete with technology, and that the more it restricts freedom of expression, the more citizens gain the strength to speak out and demand their rights. They emphasized that they will continue with their stance until all those involved in the killings are held accountable and all their demands are addressed.
Police: Reject Those Who Want to Return Us to the Pain and Harm We Suffered on October 29; We Do Not Need Violence Again
The Police Force in the country has issued a warning regarding the increase in 'cybercrime' and reports of planned 'violence' allegedly being spread via social media ahead of December 9. In a statement issued on December 3 by the Police Headquarters Spokesperson, DCP David Misime, he said the Force continues to take action against people inciting crime online, including groups announcing what they call "Indefinite Peaceful Demonstrations."According to the Police, some followers of these groups are allegedly giving dangerous instructions such as: asking those trained in weapons use to take up special duties on that day, demanding all activities in the country stop, destroying and burning communication towers so the Nation loses communication services, blocking roads entering and exiting the Dar es Salaam port, closing national borders, looting citizens' property under the pretext of hunger, blocking hospital services, and harming Government employees.
The Police stated that these plans pose a threat to citizens' safety, the country's economy, and social stability, and urged citizens not to participate in the call. The Police force urged Tanzanians to cooperate with the security organs to maintain peace and avoid a recurrence of the painful violence that occurred during the October 29 election.
Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed disgust at the Police statement, emphasizing that they should not dare to block the demonstrations planned for December 9, as this is a constitutional right under Article 20(1) of the Constitution; they added that blocking this right is a suppression of civil liberty and an abuse of power.
Likewise, some citizens have said that if the Police truly have information about people using weapons on that day, then action should be taken early against the perpetrators as required by law, instead of complaining and waiting until the day of the demonstration to gain legitimacy to kill citizens, as happened on October 29.
Additionally, others have said that the statements and patrols by the Force at this time are a tactic to intimidate citizens so they do not come out to demonstrate, urging their peers not to be intimidated and instead to come out in large numbers to restore the rule of law and end actions that violate human rights in the country.
