Nairobi-based activist Boniface Mwangi has lauded the BBC for its recent remake of a documentary investigating the wave of enforced disappearances linked to Tanzania’s 2025 presidential election.
The documentary reportedly exposes allegations of government attempts to silence critics, severe maltreatment of victims, and recurring mentions of a high-ranking official implicated in the abuses.
In a heartfelt statement addressed to the BBC team, Mwangi praised the international media outlet for amplifying the voices of those affected.
“Documenting what is happening in Tanzania is not just journalism to us; it is a matter of life and death for those living under repression and the fear of enforced disappearances,” he said. Mwangi described the work as not only reporting the news but also preserving the dignity of the wronged.
The activist emphasized that the documentary provides a rare glimpse into the realities faced by Tanzanians under political pressure, commending the clarity and empathy with which the BBC presented the victims’ narratives.
“In a world where truth is often muffled by power and silenced by fear, your platform gave a megaphone to the voiceless victims in Tanzania,” he added.
Mwangi also noted the broader significance of such reporting for accountability in East Africa.
He described the efforts of the BBC storytellers as paving a path toward a more transparent and just society, highlighting the courage required to confront powerful figures implicated in human rights abuses.
The activist concluded by thanking the media team for their commitment to truth and for showing solidarity with victims of repression.
“The road to a better, more accountable Tanzania is long, but it is paved by the bravery of storytellers like you. Thank you for seeing us, hearing us, and showing the world why we refuse to stay silent,” Mwangi stated.
The BBC documentary, through survivor testimonies and investigative reporting, continues to spark discussion about political accountability, human rights, and press freedom in Tanzania, underlining the critical role of international journalism in shedding light on abuse of power.