Condolences and Concern After Alleged Post-Election Killings in Tanzania - Assalamu Alaikum
Assalamu Alaikum - I’m saddened to share what’s been reported from Tanzania after the recent election. Authorities are facing growing alarm over killings during crackdowns on protests that followed the Oct. 29 vote. The main opposition party says security forces may be secretly disposing of hundreds of bodies from the violence.
Protests, led largely by young people, spread across the country after voting, with critics saying the election did not meet democratic standards because key opposition figures were blocked from running. The government imposed a nationwide curfew and security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to break up demonstrations.
Chadema has claimed more than 1,000 people were killed and alleges security forces are trying to hide the scale of the deaths by secretly dumping bodies. Officials have not publicly responded to those claims. Brenda Rupia, Chadema’s communications director, said by phone from Dar es Salaam that Tanzanians’ hearts are “bleeding” and that this is a shocking new reality for many.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was announced the winner with over 97% of the vote in an unusually large margin for the region, though observers said turnout looked low. Critics say the result isn’t credible because main rivals were prevented from running; one opposition leader has been jailed and others detained in the run-up to the vote.
Human Rights Watch condemned the violent crackdown and urged authorities to stop using excessive force and ensure accountability. Several countries cited what they described as credible reports of many fatalities, and the Catholic Church said people had died in “hundreds,” though exact numbers remain unverified.
Legal and human rights groups are gathering accounts. The Tanganyika Law Society’s president told reporters their information indicates more than 1,000 deaths and that they are compiling a report for international legal bodies. He said some killings appeared targeted at areas known to oppose the ruling party and described actions that, if confirmed, amount to a massacre.
Chadema officials reported at least 400 deaths in one border area and said other regions have also recorded hundreds of victims. They claim security forces are withholding bodies and secretly disposing of remains to hide the true toll. The party has said it will not enter talks with the government until electoral and judicial reforms guarantee justice.
Independent rights lawyers and citizens have shared worrying accounts - one reported seeing army trucks leaving a hospital mortuary carrying bodies, and there are fears victims might be buried in secret. President Hassan, who was inaugurated recently as Tanzania’s first female leader, acknowledged the loss of life in her speech and urged security agencies to restore calm.
Internet and phone services were disrupted for days and have only slowly been restored. Authorities warned people against sharing images or videos that could cause panic, with a message suggesting such sharing could lead to serious charges. As connectivity returned, some social accounts posting alleged protest victim footage were removed.
Life is beginning to return to parts of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma as shops and transport reopen and public workers are asked back. May Allah grant patience to the families of the victims, protect the innocent, and bring justice and peace to those affected. Please keep the people of Tanzania in your duas.
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