Tanzania's Turmoil: Arrests Follow Deadly Election Protests

In the aftermath of last week’s elections, Tanzanian authorities have arrested a senior official from the leading opposition party, Chadema, amidst a wave of detentions linked to violent protests. The demonstrations, which erupted following the election results, have been marked by claims of over 1,000 fatalities at the hands of security forces, according to both Chadema and various human rights organizations.

Chadema reported that its deputy secretary general, Amani Golugwa, was taken into custody by police on Saturday. The government has intensified its crackdown, seeking to apprehend nine additional individuals, including members of the opposition party. In total, more than 200 people have been charged with treason following the protests, a serious accusation that potentially carries the death penalty, although Tanzania has not executed anyone since 1995.

The incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was declared the election winner, receiving an overwhelming 98% of the votes. However, the opposition, which was barred from participating, has vehemently criticized the results as fraudulent. The government insists that the elections were conducted fairly, yet the exclusion of significant political rivals and reports from election observers about ballot stuffing have cast doubt on this claim.

A police spokesperson stated, “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.” Among those targeted are Chadema’s secretary general, John Mnyika, and the party's head of communications, Brenda Rupia. Notably, Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason in April and was excluded from the electoral process, a decision that likely fueled the protests.

In the lead-up to the elections, Amnesty International reported instances of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings carried out by Tanzanian authorities. Protests erupted on October 29 in various cities throughout Tanzania, resulting in violent confrontations with police, as confirmed by state officials. In an effort to quell the post-election unrest, authorities reportedly restricted internet access and employed excessive force against demonstrators.

Human rights advocates have condemned the government's efforts to suppress those associated with the protests. Among the individuals targeted was prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, who faced accusations of inciting protestors to purchase gas masks.

President Samia addressed the unrest, acknowledging the loss of life but attributing the violence to foreign influences, stating, “It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries.” Despite the unrest and protests, Samia was inaugurated on Monday, with the ceremony broadcasted but closed to the public, taking place at a military parade ground in the capital.

Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 following the death of then-president John Magufuli, under whom she served as vice-president. Initially, she received acclaim from activists for her efforts to ease political repression. However, recent events have raised concerns regarding the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania.

The situation in Tanzania remains precarious as the government grapples with the aftermath of the elections and the ensuing protests. As authorities continue to arrest opposition figures and suppress dissent, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects human rights and democratic principles.