Tanzania’s police force is investigating the reported abduction of Humphrey Polepole, a former ambassador turned government critic, who went missing from his home in Dar es Salaam early Monday.
Polepole’s brother, Godfrey Polepole, said the family found signs of a violent break-in, with a shattered door, electric wires cut, and bloodstains leading from the sitting room to the bedroom and outside toward the gate area.
The police have launched an investigation, with spokesperson David Misime confirming they are working to ascertain the truth behind the reports.
Polepole had resigned as ambassador to Cuba in July and had been harshly criticizing Tanzania’s ruling party, accusing them of flouting party rules, corruption, and abducting government critics.
His abduction comes amid heightened political tension as Tanzania approaches general elections on October 29, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan will stand for re-election.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about a crackdown on critics ahead of the election, with several opposition figures disappearing since last year.
