Tanzania elections: HRW fears over 1,000 killed in post-election crackdown • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Tanzania Post-Election Violence: Allegations of security forces killing hundreds and secretly disposing of bodies following the election.
• Sudan Civil War & Humanitarian Crisis: Escalating violence, particularly in Darfur, with fears of humanitarian collapse and accusations of war crimes.
• Ivory Coast Re-election: President Alassane Ouattara confirmed for a fourth term amidst low turnout and isolated incidents of violence.
• Gore Island Preservation: Efforts to protect the historic Senegalese island from coastal erosion and architectural decay.
• Wajuku Arts Project (Kenya): An initiative empowering young people in Nairobi's slums through art, fostering creativity and self-expression.
• Grand Egyptian Museum: The newly opened museum housing a vast collection of King Tutankhamun's treasures.

Tanzania: Allegations of Post-Election Violence and Cover-up

Following last week's election in Tanzania, the main opposition party, Chadema, has made serious allegations against security forces. They claim that over a thousand people were killed when security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Furthermore, Chadema alleges that authorities have been secretly disposing of the bodies of those killed, with reports of police collecting bodies from hospitals and some being buried in mass graves.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, declared the winner with over 97% of the vote, faces international condemnation. Human Rights Watch has denounced the events as a "violent and lethal crackdown." Western governments, including the UK, Norway, and Canada, have stated they have seen credible reports of a large number of fatalities.

President Hassan has blamed "outsiders" for the unrest, stating that most arrested youth came from outside Tanzania and that security forces would investigate to restore normalcy. She first rose to power in 2021 after the death of former President John Magufuli. Her current victory, her first in her own right, has been widely criticized as not credible, with key opposition leaders reportedly barred or detained before the vote.

Sudan: Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns

The United States remains actively engaged in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Sudan, acknowledging the highly complicated nature of the situation. Violence is escalating after more than two years of civil war, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis, particularly in Darfur. This is exacerbated by the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) takeover of El Fasher.

Pressure is mounting on the Sudanese army chief, who is expected to respond to a US-backed ceasefire proposal. In makeshift camps like the one in Tawila, thousands have found temporary refuge after fleeing El Fasher. These individuals are among an estimated 65,000 people who have left the city after its seizure by the RSF. Their testimonies describe a situation spiraling out of control, with reports of gender-based and ethnic violence, rapes, and executions. One individual recounted being beaten, humiliated, and stripped of all possessions by the RSF, and expressed distress over the inability to locate her husband. Along displacement routes, many bodies, including those of women and youth, have been found unburied.

The International Criminal Court has expressed grave concern, suggesting that the acts in El Fasher may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Fighting has also intensified in the Kordofan region, a significant stronghold for the Sudanese army in Darfur. The UN Secretary-General is calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging the international community to exert leverage. He emphasizes the necessity of preventing further weapon shipments into Sudan and establishing accountability mechanisms for the "horrendous" crimes being committed to prevent impunity.

International criticism has been directed at the United Arab Emirates, accused of supporting the RSF. However, the UAE maintains its desire for a return to a civilian-led government that excludes both warring parties. Sudanese army representatives were scheduled to consider the US-backed truce proposal on Tuesday.

Ivory Coast: Presidential Re-election Amidst Low Turnout

The Constitutional Council in Ivory Coast has officially confirmed President Alassane Ouattara's re-election for a fourth term. He secured nearly 90% of the vote in the recent presidential election. The council reported no major irregularities and stated that no complaints were received. While the vote was largely peaceful, at least 11 people were killed in isolated incidents. Turnout was notably low, with just over 50% of eligible voters participating, particularly in opposition strongholds.

Gore Island, Senegal: Preservation Efforts Against Coastal Erosion

Gore Island, off the coast of Senegal, renowned for its House of Slaves and as a top tourist destination attracting half a million visitors annually, is facing significant threats. The island, a symbol of the transatlantic slave trade, is under pressure from coastal erosion, and its centuries-old architecture is decaying.

Residents are witnessing the sea encroaching dangerously close to their homes. A seawall is currently under construction to protect the historic site. This project, spanning 1.4 kilometers around the island's perimeter, is a three-layered structure designed to act as a breakwater. The French construction company NGE estimates the project's cost at approximately 9 billion CFA francs. The seawall is engineered to withstand recorded swells in Senegal, preventing waves from directly impacting the island and thus protecting it from further damage.

Beyond coastal erosion, many of the island's historic buildings are deteriorating due to years of neglect. An advocate, Sally Ndiaye, highlighted recent events that inspired a film aimed at raising awareness and finding companies willing to assist in saving these buildings where people still reside. There is a real risk of loss of life if these structures collapse. The preservation of these buildings is seen as crucial for protecting the nation's history, as they are considered "witnesses of our history." The Gore Island seawall is slated for completion in March 2026.

Kenya: Wajuku Arts Project Empowers Youth in Slums

In Nairobi's Mukuru slums, the Wajuku Arts Project is working to inspire the next generation of talent. The initiative aims to help young people discover a creative future, offering an alternative to the grim and often violent realities they face. Dozens of children are learning to paint and draw, finding a new form of self-expression that allows them to channel their emotions.

The Wajuku Arts Collective was founded in 2004 by local teenagers seeking refuge from their daily lives in an area affected by crime and police brutality. Art provided them with an escape and a means to forge their own paths. Over two decades later, the collective has evolved into a safe space for young artists and children, offering a rare creative outlet in a community where mental health issues are often overshadowed by financial concerns. Due to economic struggles, parents may not fully address their children's emotional and mental well-being, which often becomes a significant problem before it is addressed. Art is seen as a tool for processing inner thoughts, doubts, and emotions.

The collective actively seeks to empower young talents to earn a living through their art. Approximately 30 emerging artists and over 150 children regularly attend classes and training programs at Wajuku, with aspirations of seeing their work displayed in museums in Kenya and internationally.

Grand Egyptian Museum: Unveiling King Tutankhamun's Treasures

Thousands of visitors are flocking to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where nearly 4,500 treasures of King Tutankhamun are being displayed together for the first time. Opened with a lavish $1 billion ceremony overlooking the Giza pyramids, the museum is now one of the largest in the world. The new collection provides an unprecedented glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and royalty, much to the delight of visitors. One visitor described the King Tutankhamun exhibit as "incredible" and "the most amazing thing I've ever seen," expressing awe at the ancient craftsmanship and the materials used.