Amanze Chinonye
United Nations has called for an independent investigation into what is believed to be the deaths of hundreds possibly thousands of people killed during post-election protests in Tanzania following last month’s disputed general elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep alarm over reports that security forces carried out mass killings and attempted to cover up evidence.
“There appears to have been an attempt to conceal evidence,” Türk said, citing credible information that police removed bodies from mortuaries and transported them to undisclosed locations. He urged authorities to release the bodies to families for burial and to allow international scrutiny.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe protests erupted after the October 29 election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected amid widespread criticism that key opposition figures had been barred from contesting.
The UN rights office (OHCHR) said “hundreds” of people were believed to have been killed, though it could not verify figures due to the volatile security situation and a six-day nationwide internet shutdown that followed the polls.
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Tanzania Partially Restores Internet amid Outcry over Killings, Crackdown on Post-Election Protests
Opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) has alleged that as many as 2,000 people were killed within three days of the demonstrations, while hundreds more remain missing or in detention. The Tanzanian government has not issued an official death toll.
Videos showing people apparently being shot by security forces circulated online after internet access was restored, prompting the government to warn citizens that sharing such footage would be treated as treason. Rights groups report that hundreds of protesters and opposition supporters have already been charged with treason-related offences.
Among those detained is Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s leader and a former presidential candidate. His treason trial, initially scheduled for this week, was postponed on Monday over what prosecutors described as “security concerns.” The UN rights office has demanded his immediate and unconditional release, along with other detained opposition officials.
Despite the violence, newly elected members of parliament were sworn in on Tuesday. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in power since independence now holds an overwhelming majority in the legislature, which has chosen CCM’s Mussa Zungu as its new Speaker.
The African Union’s observer mission earlier declared that the elections failed to meet democratic standards, citing ballot stuffing, intimidation of opposition agents, and other irregularities.
Tensions remain high across the East African nation, where critics accuse the government of tightening its decades-long grip on power through political repression and information control.
International observers, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have urged an independent, transparent investigation into the killings and mass arrests, warning that Tanzania’s democratic future is at risk unless accountability is ensured.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
