Amnesty International has raised significant concerns regarding the Tanzanian government’s response to post-election unrest, highlighting the suppression of dissent and the use of excessive force by security forces. Following the October 29 elections, efforts to restrict information have been evident, with the government shutting down internet access and electric power to control the narrative of the unfolding situation.
Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s deputy regional director, expressed alarm at the reported excessive use of force by security personnel, which has resulted in deaths and injuries among protesters. This development follows observations by the Southern African Development Community that criticized the elections as neither free nor fair. Leading up to the elections, allegations of voter-suppression tactics were aimed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan and officials, with notable figures like Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina being sidelined. Lissu is currently imprisoned on what he claims are politically motivated treason charges, while Mpina’s electoral challenge was dismissed on procedural grounds. More details are available from JURIST.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed reports of Tanzanian police and military using tear gas and firearms against demonstrators, resulting in at least 10 confirmed deaths. Charles Kitima of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference suggests the toll may be much higher, indicating hundreds of potential casualties. In response, the US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Tanzania, citing increased risks of violent crime and civil unrest, while the US Embassy warns of violence and roadblocks affecting travel safety.
These developments underscore ongoing concerns about governance and human rights in Tanzania as international and local bodies continue to call for transparency and accountability in handling the unrest.