The US government has banned Tanzanian police official Faustine Jackson Mafwele from entering the country over allegations of involvement in the abuse of activists.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the ban on May 21, 2026, under Section 7031(c). The reports linked the official to the illegal detention, torture and sexual abuse of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire while they were in Tanzania in May 2025.
The activists had traveled to Dar es Salaam to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. They were taken from their hotel, held and assaulted before being dumped near their countries' borders.
Mwangi was found alive in Ukunda on May 22, 2025, after more than three days in detention. Rubio said the measure bars Mafwele from the United States due to gross human rights violations.
