Tanzania’s political situation continues to draw international attention as opposition voices demand answers over what they describe as mass killings following the country’s recent presidential election.
The main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has appealed to global institutions to step in and investigate claims of violence and human rights violations.
The party wants the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to launch an independent investigation into the alleged killings of civilians by security forces after protests erupted across several regions last week.
CHADEMA’s Secretary General, John Mnyika, condemned what he called the government’s misuse of power and the violent suppression of citizens exercising their right to protest.
He said the authorities had turned against their own people instead of protecting them. Mnyika explained that Tanzanians who took to the streets did so peacefully, demanding justice and transparency after what they believed was a stolen election. He described the situation as a national tragedy that needs urgent attention from the international community.
In his statement, Mnyika emphasized that the use of force against unarmed demonstrators was unacceptable and went against Tanzania’s constitution. He said the government’s actions had led to unnecessary loss of life and suffering among ordinary citizens. Amnesty International has also raised concerns, noting an alarming rise in repression and violence since the disputed election.
Reports indicate that hospitals in some regions are overwhelmed, with witnesses claiming that many bodies have been brought in following the clashes.
The protests began after the announcement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory, where she was declared the winner with 97.66 percent of the votes.
CHADEMA, which did not participate in the election after refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct, dismissed the results as fraudulent. According to the party, the election process was neither free nor fair, and the outcome was predetermined. They allege that hundreds of people have died in various parts of the country during demonstrations, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
The party further accused security officers of removing bodies from hospitals to destroy evidence and prevent the truth from coming out.
They also said that many injured citizens could not receive proper medical attention because of transport challenges and the ongoing internet shutdown, now in its fourth day.
CHADEMA has urged the government to restore internet services immediately to allow free communication and enable access to essential services.
The situation has triggered widespread concern around the world. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported violence.
The European Union and several human rights organisations have also expressed alarm, calling on Tanzanian authorities to respect citizens’ rights and ensure accountability.
The Tanzanian government, however, has dismissed claims of mass killings and excessive force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that no official figures on casualties have been released and accused the opposition of spreading false information to destabilise the country.
Despite this denial, CHADEMA maintains its stance, saying that the government has lost moral legitimacy and that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration cannot be recognised until credible reforms are made.
The party insists that Tanzania cannot achieve peace without justice and transparency, urging international bodies not to legitimise what it considers an illegal government.
