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US sanctions top Tanzanian govt official over Boniface Mwangi’s torture
22nd May, 2026 10:40 AM
The United States government has sanctioned a senior Tanzanian police official over involvement in the torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire.
In a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Department of State announced the designation of Tanzanian Police Force Senior Assistant Commissioner Faustine Jackson Mafwele under Section 7031(c), citing credible information linking him to gross violations of human rights.
According to the statement, the incident occurred about a year ago when members of the Tanzanian Police Force detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted Mwangi and Atuhaire.
The two were in Dar es Salaam to observe the judicial trial of Tanzanian 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.
Mwangi on detention ordeal
This comes months after the activist spoke out about the harrowing experience he endured during his recent detention in Tanzania, describing four days of severe torture that left him barely able to walk.
Speaking after his release on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mwangi revealed the physical and emotional toll of his ordeal at the hands of the Tanzanian authorities before being deported to Kenya.
“I have gone through four dark days; I have been tortured very badly. I can barely walk,” Mwangi narrated.
He extended his gratitude to the public and supporters who raised their voices and stood in solidarity during his detention.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke and stood with us; the solidarity was not in vain,” he added.
Mwangi also expressed deep concern for his fellow detainee, Ugandan journalist and lawyer Agather, with whom he was held and subjected to similar brutal treatment.
“I am very concerned about Agather because we were tortured together, and they did very horrible things to us. So, I hope Agather is safe,” he stated.
