In the wake of the recent elections, Tanzania is grappling with a significant wave of unrest that has resulted in treason charges against dozens of individuals. As political tensions escalate following a contested electoral process, recognized leaders, including religious figures, are calling for constructive dialogue to mitigate the deepening rift within society. This situation highlights the complicated interplay between governance, civil rights, and the need for national reconciliation in Tanzania.
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Prosecutors in Tanzania have filed treason charges against dozens of individuals in connection with violent protests that erupted after an election marred by allegations of irregularities. Reports indicate that at least 76 people stand accused of obstructing the October 29 election, as detailed in a charge sheet obtained by the Associated Press. A separate report from Reuters highlights that the number could be as high as 145, encompassing more individuals allegedly involved in the demonstrations.
In addition to treason, the individuals face charges of criminal conspiracy. Notably, the prosecution has outlined specific allegations against a businesswoman accused of inciting protesters to purchase tear gas masks from her establishment during the unrest. This situation underscores the increasing polarization and legal repercussions facing those who peacefully challenged the electoral outcome.
Human rights advocates and the opposition party Chadema have reported that the protests led to the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, a figure that the government disputes without offering an alternative count. The election in question resulted in President Samia Suluhu Hassan gaining nearly 98 percent of the vote, although the African Union (AU) criticized the electoral process, citing significant breaches of democratic practices.
Observers from the AU pointed to alarming incidents, including ballot stuffing and a government-imposed internet blackout, as further undermining election integrity. Of particular concern was the exclusion of leading opposition candidates, including Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, who remains imprisoned under treason charges since April.
Religious leaders have urged the government to engage in reconciliation efforts with political opponents and demonstrators. Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church expressed concern that the ongoing treason charges would exacerbate already heightened tensions. He advocated for a compassionate approach where the government acknowledges the grievances of the people instead of resorting to arrests.
In a joint statement, the Legal and Human Rights Centre and six other NGOs condemned the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, describing instances of reprisal violence, including killings of civilians in their homes. The statement detailed the trauma inflicted on families and the number of individuals detained, suggesting that the scale of the human rights violations remains largely unaddressed.
Chadema official Amos Ntobi claimed that hundreds were killed in the Mwanza region during the unrest, with witnesses recounting scenes of violence and chaos. The ongoing turmoil poses a critical challenge for President Hassan, who took office in 2021 following the unexpected death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Since her inauguration, numerous watchdogs have raised concerns over her administration’s handling of dissent, which includes reports of forced disappearances and the mistreatment of critics.
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