Published: May 22, 2026

By: Nigeria TV Info

The United States government has imposed sanctions on a senior Tanzanian police official over allegations of torture and sexual assault involving East African human rights activists, according to officials in Washington. The move is part of broader U.S. efforts to hold individuals accountable for alleged gross human rights violations.

The sanctioned official has been identified as Senior Assistant Commissioner Faustine Jackson Mafwele of the Tanzanian Police Force. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision was based on what American authorities described as “credible information” linking the officer to serious human rights abuses. The sanctions reportedly include a ban preventing him from entering the United States.

According to the U.S. State Department, the allegations relate to the detention and reported abuse of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire. The two had travelled to Dar es Salaam to observe court proceedings involving opposition politician Tundu Lissu.

Reports say the activists later accused Tanzanian authorities of torture and sexual assault while in detention. Tanzanian officials have reportedly disputed aspects of the allegations, while calls for accountability from international rights groups continue to grow.

The sanctions come amid increasing international attention on Tanzania’s human rights situation following political tensions and allegations of crackdowns on opposition figures and activists in recent years.