DW probe of post-election violence in Tanzania contradicts government claims | DW News

Key Concepts

• Post-Election Violence: Systematic violence following the 2023 Tanzanian elections, allegedly perpetrated by security forces.
• Extrajudicial Killings: The unlawful killing of individuals by agents of the state, specifically targeting protesters and civilians.
• Internet Shutdowns: Deliberate disruption of internet access during elections, a recurring pattern in several African countries.
• Lack of Accountability: The absence of investigations, prosecutions, or consequences for security forces involved in the violence.
• Commission of Inquiry: A government-appointed body to investigate the post-election events, with limited expected impact due to past inaction on similar reports.
• International Pressure: Calls from the UN, Western governments, and human rights groups for investigations and accountability.

Tanzania: Deadly Crackdown After 2023 Elections - A DW Investigation

Introduction & Initial Concerns

The report focuses on a DW investigation into the aftermath of the 2023 Tanzanian elections, where UN experts estimate at least 700 people were killed following protests alleging political repression. President Samia Suluhu Hassan attributes the deaths to security forces acting to prevent looting and a coup attempt. However, DW’s investigation reveals evidence of police killings targeting both protesters and ordinary citizens. The investigation began when DW’s accreditation was revoked days before the election, coupled with a nationwide internet shutdown – a pattern observed in other African elections, raising initial concerns about potential repression.

Investigation Methodology & Scope

DW’s investigation was a collaborative effort across multiple departments to ensure accuracy. The team followed a trail of evidence, corroborating accounts from numerous witnesses and sources. Michael Oti, a member of the investigative team, emphasizes that the documentary represents only a fraction of the violence witnessed across the country. The identities of victims and relatives were concealed for their safety.

The Cesa Incident: A Case Study of Extrajudicial Killings

A specific incident in Cesa, Mwanza, on the night of October 29th, serves as a central case study. Police killed four individuals – Akida (31), Chacha (40, a salon worker), Hamu (31), and Zuberi (24) – in a single incident. Eyewitness accounts detail a brutal sequence of events: the men were ordered to lie down, and then systematically shot – one man while attempting to flee, and the others while complying with the order. Akida’s mother witnessed the aftermath, finding her son’s body still slightly warm, highlighting the immediacy of the killings. The atmosphere was described as one of fear, with families unable to collect bodies due to ongoing sporadic shooting, and soldiers ultimately responsible for body removal. The road between Mwanza town and Injim Muima was described as a “death artery” during this period.

Government Response & Denial

The Tanzanian government initially denied the allegations, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan claiming the victims were paid to overthrow her government. The Prime Minister echoed these sentiments. However, public pressure led to the establishment of a commission of inquiry led by former Chief Justice Otman Chandai. Oti points out that Chandai previously led a similar commission three years prior, which produced strong recommendations for security agency reform, but the report remains unimplemented, casting doubt on the current commission’s effectiveness.

Lack of Accountability & International Response

Despite calls for investigation and accountability from the United Nations, Western governments, and human rights groups, the report suggests little prospect of justice. The Tanzanian government’s stance indicates a reluctance to accept responsibility. Efforts by Tanzanians to gather evidence for a potential case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) are in their early stages, and the ICC’s historical reluctance to prosecute sitting heads of state further diminishes the likelihood of success. Oti concludes that the security forces involved are unlikely to be held accountable.

Technical Terms & Concepts

• Extrajudicial Killing: The killing of a person by a government official without due process of law.
• Accreditation (Journalistic): Official permission granted to journalists to cover events, such as elections.
• ICC (International Criminal Court): An international tribunal that investigates and prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
• Commission of Inquiry: A formal investigation into a specific event or issue, typically appointed by a government.

Logical Connections & Data

The report establishes a clear connection between the pre-election internet shutdown and the subsequent violence, suggesting a deliberate attempt to suppress information and control the narrative. The case study of the Cesa killings provides concrete evidence supporting the broader claim of extrajudicial killings. The historical context of the previous commission of inquiry highlights a pattern of government inaction and a lack of commitment to accountability. The statistic of at least 700 deaths, as reported by UN experts, underscores the scale of the violence.

Notable Quotes

• Akida’s Mother: “I rushed to the street and found four bodies lying on the ground. I lifted up my son. His body was cold, but his legs were still a little bit warm, so I thought he was still alive.” – Illustrates the immediate trauma and desperation of the victims’ families.
• Eyewitness: “Even if he was your friend, after he'd been shot, you could only run away. You wouldn't dare come back to collect his body.” – Highlights the pervasive fear and the breakdown of social norms.
• Michael Oti: “...it gives very very little hope that the government is going to make any changes or anybody is going to be held responsible for what happened in October.” – Expresses pessimism regarding the prospect of accountability.

Conclusion

The DW investigation paints a disturbing picture of systematic violence and impunity following the 2023 Tanzanian elections. The evidence suggests that security forces engaged in extrajudicial killings, targeting not only protesters but also ordinary citizens. Despite international pressure and the establishment of a commission of inquiry, the likelihood of accountability remains low, given the government’s denial and past inaction. The report serves as a stark warning about the dangers of political repression and the importance of independent journalism in holding power accountable. The key takeaway is the urgent need for independent investigation and justice for the victims of the post-election violence in Tanzania.