Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the recent presidential election, according to official preliminary results. However, the triumph is overshadowed by widespread allegations of a brutal crackdown on opposition and protestors, leading to a humanitarian crisis and international condemnation. The election, held last Wednesday, was already marred by controversy due to the exclusion of key opposition figures, either through imprisonment or the rejection of their candidacy. State television reports indicate President Hassan garnered an overwhelming 95% of the vote, with final results expected to be announced imminently, followed by a swift inauguration ceremony.
The announcement of Hassan’s apparent victory has triggered widespread protests across the East African nation of 68 million people. Demonstrators have taken to the streets to voice their outrage over the exclusion of prominent opposition leaders and what they describe as a systematic campaign of repression leading up to the election. The largest opposition party, Chadema, alleges that security forces have killed hundreds of protestors since election day. A spokesperson for Chadema told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Friday that their figures, compiled from healthcare workers, suggest “around 700” people have been killed. A security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam corroborated the reports of fatalities, telling AFP that the death toll was “in the hundreds” and that protests continued throughout Friday.
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has expressed grave concern, stating that credible reports indicate at least ten people have been killed in protests across three cities. This marks the first public estimate of fatalities released by an international body. President Hassan has remained publicly silent since the unrest began, while her government denies using “excessive force.” However, the government has imposed a nationwide internet blackout, a strict lockdown, and a curfew, significantly hindering the flow of information and making it difficult to independently verify events. News websites have remained stagnant since Wednesday morning, and journalists are reportedly unable to operate freely within the country.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has dismissed the opposition’s claims of a high death toll as “grossly exaggerated” and denied that security forces have used excessive force. These denials stand in stark contrast to the reports emerging from opposition groups, international observers, and human rights organizations. The situation has drawn strong condemnation from the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his “deep concern” about the situation in Tanzania, “including reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations,” according to a statement released by his spokesperson. Guterres called for a “thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of excessive use of force.”
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Furthermore, the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, and Norway issued a joint statement expressing their concern and urging Tanzanian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and respect the rights to assembly and freedom of expression. They emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair and transparent process for addressing grievances. The lead-up to the election was marred by widespread accusations of political repression. President Hassan, seeking to consolidate her power and silence critics within her own party, pursued a strategy of eliminating potential rivals. The authorities effectively barred Chadema from participating in the election and placed its leader under trial on charges of treason, further escalating tensions.
Human rights groups have described the pre-election atmosphere in the East African nation as a “reign of terror,” citing a series of high-profile abductions that intensified in recent days. These incidents, combined with the suppression of dissent and the restriction of media freedom, raised serious concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process. Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency of Tanzania following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. Initially, she was praised for easing some of the restrictive policies implemented by Magufuli. However, she has subsequently been accused of orchestrating a severe crackdown on her critics, reversing the initial optimism surrounding her leadership.
The current crisis in Tanzania underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in the region and the importance of upholding fundamental human rights. The allegations of widespread violence and repression require a thorough and independent investigation to ensure accountability and justice for the victims. The international community must continue to exert pressure on the Tanzanian government to respect the rights to assembly, freedom of expression, and a fair trial. The future stability and prosperity of Tanzania depend on addressing these issues and fostering a more inclusive and democratic society. The situation remains volatile, and DZWatch will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as they become available. The credibility of the election and the legitimacy of President Hassan’s victory are now heavily dependent on the government’s response to the allegations of widespread human rights abuses and its willingness to engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition and civil society. Failure to do so risks further destabilizing the country and undermining its standing in the international community. The events in Tanzania serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democracy in Africa and the need for constant vigilance in protecting fundamental freedoms and ensuring accountability for those in power. The world is watching, and the future of Tanzania hangs in the balance.
