Tanzania’s government says it is seeking the arrest of 10 individuals, including senior opposition leaders, accused of orchestrating the deadly protests that followed last week’s disputed elections.
According to the main opposition party, Chadema, and several human rights organisations, more than 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations. The government has dismissed those figures as exaggerated, but has not released its own casualty count.
Controversial Election and Allegations of Fraud
Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, in an election widely criticised by opposition groups and international observers. Chadema and other opposition parties were barred from participating, prompting claims that the vote was neither free nor fair.
Observers cited multiple irregularities, including ballot stuffing and the exclusion of key opposition candidates such as Tundu Lissu, who was charged with treason in April and prevented from contesting.
Protests and Crackdown
Protests erupted on 29 October across major Tanzanian cities, escalating into violent clashes with security forces. Authorities have since charged 145 people with treason and launched a nationwide manhunt for those accused of inciting unrest.
“The police force, in collaboration with other defence and security agencies, is continuing a serious manhunt to find all who planned, coordinated and executed this evil act,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
Among those wanted are Chadema’s secretary general, John Mnyika, his deputy Amani Golugwa, and the party’s head of communications, Brenda Rupia.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, accused Tanzanian authorities of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings during and after the vote. Amnesty also reported internet shutdowns and the use of excessive force against protesters.
The crackdown has reportedly extended to civilians, including businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, who was accused of encouraging demonstrators to purchase gas masks for protection.
Government Denial and Swearing-In Ceremony
President Samia Suluhu Hassan acknowledged that there were fatalities but blamed the unrest on foreign nationals, saying, “It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries.”
Despite the turmoil, Samia was sworn into office on Monday in a televised but closed ceremony held at a military parade ground in the capital.
Samia, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021, was initially praised for easing political restrictions. However, rights groups now accuse her administration of reversing those democratic gains and intensifying political repression.