EMBASSIES of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Norway and Switzerland yesterday issued a joint statement posted on X social media outlet on the wave of abductions, torture and killings in the country.

The X post expressed concern over the acts of brutality, disappearances and deaths of political and human rights activists, urging the government to carry out a swift and comprehensive investigation into the incidents.

The statement called on the government to ensure the protection of opposition parties, that the state authorities stick to the 4Rs philosophy set out by President Samia Suluhu Hassan's R4 philosophy, espousing reconciliation, reforms, resilience and rebuilding.

They emphasized safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, underlining that “the European Union community is deeply troubled by recent reports of brutality, disappearances and deaths involving political and human rights activists.

“We call for thorough investigations into these incidents and extend our condolences to the affected families," the joint statement intoned, pointing out that such incidents undermine Tanzania's democratic foundations and its reputation for peace and stability.

The government needs to uphold democratic values and to ensure that those responsible for these acts are promptly identified and held accountable, as the protection of fundamental rights demands holding a thorough investigation, they said.

The statement brings together the EU after sparse reactions in the wake of the death of Ally Kibao, a secretariat official with the leading opposition party, Chadema, who was found dead on Saturday, and buried in his Sangare home village in Tanga Region on Monday.

He was abducted on Friday evening, September 6 near Kibo Complex in the northerly suburb of Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, while traveling to his home aboard a Tashrif bus.

He was taken by armed individuals and his body showed severe injuries including facial trauma resembling a throw of acid, discovered in the Ununio area not far from the spot of abduction on Saturday morning, sending shock waves around the country and in the region.