Tanzania is on high alert as it approaches the anniversary of mainland Tanzania’s independence, following a tumultuous election period marked by political violence and accusations against the government. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won a new term in office with a stunning 98% majority. This win occurred in the context of national presidential and parliamentary elections on October 29. These elections have been sullied by the worst political violence in the country’s post-independence history.
Opposition leaders and human rights activists alike are sounding the alarm. They call on their government to take responsibility for the disappearance of dozens of such critics. Like you, they contend that the state is stifling protest and quelling dissenting voices. In addressing these allegations, President Hassan has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for incidents of election-related violence. She has continuously dismissed any allegations of wrongdoing by security forces. She claims they conducted themselves in a professional and ethical manner throughout the election cycle.
At a press conference in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, Camillus Mongoso Wambura, inspector-general of police, went further than that and threatened violence. He warned that the country is facing the risk of anti-government demonstrations. He then added that any dissent on the forthcoming independence day would be viewed through the prism of a coup conspiracy. The UK government has been telling the public to stay indoors to avoid trouble, as it hunkers down in preparation for the king’s coronation celebrations.
The United States should continue to speak out against Tanzania’s repressive measures and should take additional steps to support civil society. In response, it is reassessing its engagement with the nation. The worries of civilians operating under violent occupation are far, far deeper than foreign eyes can see. They include high profile issues such as religious freedom, free speech and investment barriers. The U.S. government’s continued scrutiny has only increased the political pressure on Tanzanian authorities as they operate in this politically charged context.
After reports on the associated abductions with the electoral violence, President Hassan confirmed that a precise investigation had been mandated. But no findings from this investigation have been made public, and much remains unclear. Un-timely death uncertainty looms over Tanzania. History aside, citizens are bracing for the unpredictable storm that is sure to hit during this seismic shift.
Police and army officials are increasing their visibility on main avenues in Dar es Salaam. Under the auspices of curbing any possible civil disobedience or unrest, they are stopping and/or violating identification checks. Such government’s preemptive actions highlight the lengths they are willing to go to silence all opposition as the nation gears up for its 60th independence anniversary celebrations.
