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Summary:
Following a disputed election in Tanzania marred by violence and accusations of electoral malpractice, the government has charged dozens, potentially over 145, with treason for their alleged involvement in protests. The move has been criticized by religious leaders and human rights organizations who claim excessive force was used against protesters and the charges will only worsen tensions. The opposition and rights groups allege security forces killed over 1,000 people during the protests, a number the government disputes. They accuse the government of human rights abuses, including torture and forced disappearances of critics. International observers also raised concerns about the election’s integrity.
News Article:
Tanzania Charges Dozens with Treason Over Election Protests, Raising Fears of Further Unrest
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Tanzanian authorities have charged dozens of individuals with treason following deadly protests sparked by the recent disputed presidential election. News agencies report at least 76 people and possibly as many as 145 are accused of attempting to obstruct the October 29th election. The charges also include criminal conspiracy.
The election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure nearly 98% of the vote, has been widely criticized as failing to meet democratic standards. The African Union (AU) cited ballot stuffing, internet blackouts, allegations of excessive military force, and politically motivated abductions as factors that “compromised election integrity.”
Human rights activists and the leading opposition party, Chadema, claim security forces killed over 1,000 people during the protests, a figure the government disputes without providing its own tally. Specific details of the charges are limited, though it has been reported that a businesswoman has been accused of encouraging protesters to buy tear-gas masks.
Religious leaders are now speaking out, warning that the treason charges will only exacerbate the already volatile situation. Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania stated that the government should be grieving with the people instead of making arrests.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and other NGOs have condemned the “excessive use of force against unarmed demonstrators,” alleging reprisal killings and widespread detentions. “Families have been left traumatized, and children have witnessed violence against their parents,” the LHRC said in a joint statement.
Chadema party officials claim hundreds were killed in the Mwanza region alone. The current wave of unrest follows increasing concern over President Hassan’s administration, who took power in 2021, regarding the alleged torture and forced disappearance of government critics.
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