Tanzania is actively pursuing the arrest of key opposition figures allegedly involved in the violent protests that erupted across the country following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, and various human rights advocates claim that over 1,000 individuals were killed by security forces during the unrest. In response, the government has refuted these figures as exaggerated, although it has not provided its own official death toll.
Authorities have identified 10 individuals wanted in connection with the disturbances as part of an ongoing investigation, following the charging of 145 people with treason by prosecutors. A police spokesperson stated that a thorough search is underway, in collaboration with other defense and security agencies, to apprehend all those responsible for orchestrating the unrest.
Among those being sought for arrest are prominent Chadema members, including the party’s secretary general, John Mnyika, deputy Amaan Golugwa, and communications head Brenda Rupia. Chadema leadership or the mentioned officials have not immediately responded to the police statement.
The protests largely stemmed from the exclusion of Chadema leader Tundu Lissu and another key opposition candidate from the electoral race. The incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote by the electoral commission and was inaugurated on Monday.
Despite the government’s assertion of a fair election process, African Union observers deemed the vote as lacking credibility, citing incidents of ballot box stuffing. The authorities have dismissed these criticisms, maintaining that the election was conducted fairly.
Violent demonstrations erupted in various Tanzanian cities and regions on October 29, causing injuries and extensive damage to both private and public property, including bank ATMs and government facilities. The police have confirmed the extent of the unrest for the first time, highlighting the widespread nature of the protests.
Image: Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan attending her swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma, the country’s capital, on Monday.
Overall, the situation remains tense as the government intensifies efforts to apprehend those allegedly responsible for the violent upheaval that followed the recent elections.
