UN Reports Hundreds Killed in Tanzania Election Protests

The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported that hundreds of people were killed during protests in Tanzania following the controversial elections on October 29, 2023. The unrest, which erupted in response to the polls, marks the most significant political crisis in the country in decades. According to the UN, there are allegations that security forces have been involved in concealing evidence by hiding bodies.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Reuters. The main opposition party, Chadema, along with various human rights advocates, claims that the death toll exceeds 1,000. In contrast, the government has dismissed these figures as exaggerated but has not provided its own estimates of the casualties.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election, reportedly receiving nearly 98 percent of the votes. Notably, her two leading opponents had been disqualified from running. The UN had previously indicated on October 31 that at least 10 people had been killed in protests across three cities.

Despite the serious claims, the UN Human Rights Office admitted it could not independently verify the casualty figures due to ongoing security issues and an internet shutdown that followed the election. The office stated, “Information obtained by the UN Human Rights Office from different sources in Tanzania suggests hundreds of protesters and other people were killed, with an unknown number injured or detained.”

In a concerning development, UN human rights chief Volker Turk noted reports indicating that security forces had removed bodies from public spaces and hospitals, allegedly to obscure evidence of their actions. The government has consistently denied accusations of using excessive force, asserting that their actions were a response to violence from criminal groups.

Following the unrest, police released four senior members of Chadema on bail, including the party’s vice-chairman. Over 300 individuals have faced charges related to the protests, with at least 145 of those charged with treason. Tundu Lissu, the leader of Chadema, had previously been charged with treason in April, and his exclusion from the presidential ballot catalyzed the protests.

Opponents of President Hassan’s government accuse her of stifling dissent and executing widespread abductions of critics. Observers from the African Union stated last week that the elections did not adhere to democratic standards. Despite these criticisms, Ms. Hassan has defended the legitimacy of the election and her human rights record.

Last year, she initiated an investigation into reported abductions, but no results have been made public. Critics allege the government manipulated the election results, exacerbating tensions surrounding the exclusion of key challengers.

In a related political move, Ms. Hassan appointed long-time associate Mwigulu Nchemba as prime minister. The parliament supported this appointment with a near-unanimous vote, reflecting the backing Ms. Hassan received following the election. Mr. Nchemba, a member of parliament since 2010, previously held the position of deputy secretary-general of Ms. Hassan’s party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Nchemba has stated his commitment to diligent work in his new role. The Tanzanian government has projected a 6 percent growth rate for the economy this year, driven in part by infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and power generation. Budget spending is expected to rise by about 12 percent this fiscal year to support these initiatives, despite cuts in aid from international partners, including the United States.

Political analyst Richard Mbunda from the University of Dar es Salaam remarked that Ms. Hassan’s trust in Mr. Nchemba is evident, given that he has maintained his cabinet position despite various reshuffles since her ascension to power. The current political climate remains tense, with the international community closely watching the developments in Tanzania.