Tanzania is experiencing unprecedented turmoil following the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She was initially elected with an astonishing 98 percent of the vote, igniting massive public protests. The election, which took place on June 18, has drawn international criticism, with opposition parties and outside observers alike calling it a farce. News accounts suggest that a police crackdown has led to a spate of fatalities. The government adamantly refuses to acknowledge that hundreds of deaths have occurred.
In a recent webinar moderated by Adrian Finighan, ample expert commentary discussed the long-term impact of these developments. Tito Magoti, independent human rights lawyer and activist, made national news in 2019 by speaking out against the government’s crackdown on dissent. He attacked law enforcement on their violent response and demanded accountability for the violence allegedly witnessed during the protests.
Nicodemus Minde is a research consultant with the East Africa Peace and Security Governance Program of the Institute for Security Studies based in Nairobi. Together with Craig, he provided a deep political analysis of the situation going on in Tanzania. He underscored the significance of Suluhu Hassan’s re-election. He underscored the crimes of election fraud as being symptomatic of more serious, foundational problems with the country’s systems of governance. Minde recognized that taking further action to quell the backlash from the opposition is necessary to regain stability.
Fergus Kell, a research fellow from London’s Chatham House, is illuminating what is transpiring in Tanzania today. He brings out its very large international significance. Specifically, he highlighted how global observers are watching these developments with great attention, especially on human rights and governance issues. Kell’s caution is well-founded. He warned that if the government continues to ignore claims of violence and electoral malpractice, it will be subject to increased pressure from domestic and foreign stakeholders.
The mood on the ground in Tanzania is palpable as Tanzanian citizens deal with the continuing impact of this recent election. Many citizens are calling for transparency and reform, while others fear repercussions for voicing their dissent. The government’s obvious denial of the alleged police crackdown and refusal to accept liability has only served to incite protests and further anger the public.
