Police-violence reports emerge after Tanzania election row | DW News

Key Concepts

• Disputed Election
• Violent Unrest
• Police Violence
• Election Fraud Allegations
• Opposition Barred
• Treason Charges
• Human Rights Violations
• Arbitrary Arrests
• UN Investigation Call

Election Dispute and Unrest in Tanzania

More than two weeks after a disputed election, Tanzania is experiencing violent unrest, with increasing reports of police brutality. The election, held on October 29th, saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan reelected with a reported 98% of the vote, according to Tanzania's electoral commission. However, the opposition has denounced the election as a "sham," citing that her main competitors were barred from participating, leaving Hassan to run virtually unopposed.

Following the vote, protests erupted and escalated into violence, the full scale of which remains unclear. Evidence, such as images appearing to show armed individuals using excessive force against protesters, has surfaced. Rights groups estimate that the death toll could be in the hundreds, though the government has not yet commented on these alleged killings.

Life Under Surveillance in Dar es Salaam

Two weeks post-election, life in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, is cautiously resuming. The state maintains a strong presence, with reports of a DW filming crew being stopped multiple times by armed police. Despite these events, Vice President Emanuel Machina insists that "all is well."

Legal Ramifications and Allegations of Abuse

Under current laws, approximately 400 individuals have been charged with election-related offenses. Among them is TikToker Jennifer Jovin, also known as Nifer, who faces treason charges for a video in which she advised her followers to purchase masks for protection against tear gas on election day. Reports indicate that detainees are subjected to abuse, with court presentations revealing evidence of "very serious torture" and visible signs of injury.

International Response and Calls for Action

The United Nations has called for an investigation into the alleged killings and other human rights violations. Additionally, the UN has urged for the release of Tanzanians who were arbitrarily arrested both before and after the election.

Conclusion

The situation in Tanzania is marked by a disputed election, leading to widespread unrest and allegations of severe police violence and human rights abuses. The government's response, coupled with the barring of opposition candidates and the prosecution of individuals for seemingly minor offenses, has drawn international concern, prompting calls for independent investigations and the release of arbitrarily detained citizens.