In an exciting turn of events, Boniface Mwabukusi, a prominent Tanzanian lawyer and activist, has won his appeal against the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and is now set to run for the presidency of the association. The High Court of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam ruled in his favor, overturning the previous decision by the TLS appeal committee that had disqualified him from the presidential race.
Background
Mwabukusi’s legal and activist career has been marked by his strong stance against the controversial port deal between Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Alongside former Tanzania Ambassador to Sweden Dr Willbroad Slaa and activist Mdude Nyagali, Mwabukusi was detained in August 2023 for criticizing the port agreement, which they argued compromised Tanzania’s sovereignty and security.
The port deal involved the UAE managing and developing Tanzania’s ports, special economic zones, logistics parks, and trade corridors. Mwabukusi led a court petition challenging the legality of this deal, stating that it violated Tanzania’s Constitution and international law.
His activism led to his arrest under charges that included incitement and treason, an accusation that carries the death penalty in Tanzania.
International organizations, including Amnesty International, widely condemned the detentions and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
Court Victory
On July 26, 2024, Judge Phillip Butamo of the High Court in Dar es Salaam ruled that the TLS appeal committee had no valid grounds to bar Mwabukusi from running for the presidency. This decision reinstates his candidacy, allowing him to participate in the upcoming TLS elections scheduled for August 1-3, 2024, in Dodoma.
What next?
The upcoming TLS elections, set for August 1-3, 2024, in Dodoma, are highly anticipated. Mwabukusi’s journey from detained activist to presidential contender symbolizes the fight for justice in Tanzania. He assured that his leadership would end impunity, and blatant violation of the law and restore integrity and accountability to the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS).
