Tanzania Faces Violent Fallout from Election Protests

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Concerns are escalating in Tanzania regarding violent incidents during protests following last week’s election. The largest opposition party claims that security forces have been covertly disposing of the bodies of hundreds killed in the unrest.

Protests Erupt After Election

Demonstrations erupted across the country after the October 29 elections, with mostly young participants criticizing a vote that international observers deemed failed to meet democratic standards, especially since key opposition candidates were barred from running.

Government Response

In response, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and security forces violently suppressed protests using live ammunition and tear gas. The main opposition party, Chadema, has reported over 1,000 fatalities, claiming that bodies are being hidden by security personnel, though the government has yet to respond to these allegations.

Reactions from Opposition Leaders

Brenda Rupia, Chadema’s communications director, expressed the pain felt by Tanzanians, noting that this situation is unprecedented for the nation. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with over 97% of the votes, but her victory has been criticized for lacking credibility due to the exclusion of significant rivals.

Urgent Calls for Accountability

Human Rights Watch condemned the crackdown and demanded that authorities hold security forces accountable for their actions. Reports of targeted shootings by police have surfaced, alongside claims from the U.K., Norway, and Canada about a significant death toll, with the Catholic Church estimating fatalities in the “hundreds.”

Continuing Crisis

Boniface Mwabukusi of the Tanganyika Law Society noted that more than 1,000 people likely died based on gathered testimonies. Chadema officials report at least 400 deaths in the Tunduma area alone. Concerns persist about whether victims are receiving proper burials, with claims that authorities are holding onto bodies to conceal the scale of the tragedy.

Return to Normalcy Amidst Tension

Despite the ongoing crisis, normal life is gradually resuming in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, with shops and public transport reopening. Authorities have also cautioned citizens against sharing images related to the protests, warning that such actions could lead to treason charges. A social media page documenting the violence was shut down after gaining widespread attention.