On 6 October 2025, Humphrey Polepole – a former diplomat and government critic – was abducted from his home in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, by unidentified state security agents. His family found the front door broken and a significant amount of blood at the scene.
Humphrey’s family and friends have been unable to reach him since. His mother frequently walks around her home crying and calling out “Humphrey, where are you, where are you?”
Humphrey appears to have been targeted because he is an outspoken government critic, having criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling party for restrictions on civic space, crackdowns on human rights, and attacks on political opposition members.
Humphrey is an active and loving member of his community. In his free time, he supports vulnerable people, regularly visiting orphanages and organizing seminars for the youth on political participation. His family – including his elderly mother, who he cares for, and beloved dog, Fighter – miss him dearly. He should be at home with them.
His enforced disappearance – a crime under international law – is an example of the Tanzanian authorities’ use of authoritarian practices employed to punish and silence dissenting voices.
Call on the Tanzanian authorities to immediately disclose Humphrey’s fate and whereabouts