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A step toward accountability: Mange Kimambi reacts after U.S. sanctions Tanzanian official
22nd May, 2026 12:26 PM
Tanzanian activist and social commentator Mange Kimambi has welcomed the United States government’s decision to sanction a senior Tanzanian police official over human rights abuses involving Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire.
Reacting to the development on social media on Friday, May 22, 2026, Mange described the move as an important step towards justice and accountability in Tanzania.
The activist further claimed that more individuals linked to abuses would eventually face consequences and be accountable.
“Marekani wameanza na Mafwele. Watanzania, this is a step in the right direction kwenye kupata accountability. Wauwaji wooote watakuwa held accountable na wananchi tutaipata nchi yetu kutoka kwa wahuni,” Mange wrote.
Mange also emphasised the importance of combining local efforts with international support in the fight for justice and human rights.
“Tukimix nguvu zetu za ndani na support ya nje, HAKI itapatikana kwenye nchi yetu……. Na niwaambie tu, yanakuja mengi na makubwa, wauwaji watatafuta pa kujichimbia…… TUTASHINDA!!!!!! Thank you so much@SecRubio @StateDept,” she added.
US’s sanction
Her remarks came shortly after the U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against Tanzanian Police Force Senior Assistant Commissioner Faustine Jackson Mafwele under Section 7031(c), citing credible information linking him to gross human rights violations.
According to the U.S. government, the sanctions are tied to the detention, torture and sexual assault of Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire while they were in Dar es Salaam to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
“The Department of State is designating Tanzanian Police Force (TPF) Senior Assistant Commissioner Faustine Jackson Mafwele under Section 7031(c) based on credible information that he was involved in gross violations of human rights. One year ago, members of the TPF detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted Ugandan Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan Boniface Mwangi, who were in Dar es Salaam to observe the judicial trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. This designation prohibits Mafwele from entering the United States,” the statement reads.
“This public designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (Div. F, P.L. 119-75).“
The designation means Mafwele is now barred from entering the United States.
