The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has strongly condemned the abduction of former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba Humphrey Polepole. In a statement, LHRC urged the Police Force to take swift action to investigate the incident and ensure that Polepole is brought before a court of law immediately if he is being held on any allegations.

LHRC emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Polepole’s disappearance. The organization is closely monitoring the situation and demands that the authorities provide updates on the progress of the investigation.

Polepole’s was violently taken from his Dar es Salaam home on Monday night by ‘’unknown individuals’’ and his whereabouts are unknown.

His abduction occurred ahead of Tanzania’s general election on October 29, 2025, amidst growing tensions between the government and opposition parties. The former ambassador had been a vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration and had recently made public statements questioning the government’s actions.

This incident is not isolated, as Tanzania has witnessed several cases of enforced disappearances and human rights violations in recent times. LHRC has been vocal about these issues, urging law enforcement agencies to adhere to the law and protect human rights. The organization has also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for such acts to ensure justice is served.

It’s worth noting that Polepole had previously accused President Samia’s son, Abdul Ameir, of leading an abduction squad responsible for enforced disappearances in Tanzania. These allegations have sparked widespread concern and debate about the government’s human rights record.