Sexual Violence as a Tool of Political Repression in Tanzania: How the State Uses Rape and Torture to Silence Dissent
In modern Tanzania, the line between security enforcement and political persecution continues to blur. Amid growing concerns about authoritarian consolidation, there is mounting evidence that sexual violence has become an instrument of repression, systematically used to silence political dissent, punish critics, and enforce obedience. Victims have included opposition candidates, human rights activists, and individuals associated with anti-government causes. Rape, sodomy, stripping, and other forms of sexualised abuse are reportedly inflicted not for criminal gain, but as a calculated form of state-sponsored punishment.