According to African human rights organisations, over 3,000 people have been killed, thousands are still missing, and mass graves are being dug in several major cities.
The groups accused the Tanzanian security forces of carrying out night raids, arbitrary arrests, and targeted shootings — including against children. Many of those affected were allegedly opposition supporters protesting the October 29 general election results.
“We are witnessing a state-backed massacre,” read a statement by the Jumuiya Ni Yetu movement and the Pan-African Solidarity Collective, which represents over 40 rights groups across Africa.
They said homes were stormed in cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Songwe, where citizens were allegedly shot for rejecting what they called Suluhu’s authoritarian rule.
Witnesses reported seeing security officers dragging people from their homes, with some victims later found dead. The youngest reported victim was a one-year-old child.
The groups also claimed that medical workers were being intimidated and ordered not to treat gunshot victims. They said some doctors were instructed to “finish off” injured protesters, while families searching for loved ones were being harassed by police.
“We believe many of the 2,000 missing people have been buried secretly in mass graves,” the statement added.
Hundreds Charged with Treason
As the outcry grows, Tanzanian courts have charged hundreds of people with treason, accusing them of trying to block or disrupt the election.
On Friday, November 7, prosecutors in Dar es Salaam charged at least 145 suspects, most of whom reportedly had no legal representation.
Attorney Peter Kibatala said the defendants faced two charges — conspiracy to commit treason and treason itself. Human rights lawyers believe over 250 people may have been charged in total.
Disputed Election and Opposition Claims
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, which was barred from contesting, claims that over 1,000 people were killed during and after the polls.
President Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, after the two leading opposition candidates were disqualified.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was himself charged with treason earlier in the year, accused the government of rigging the election and silencing critics.
The African Union’s observer mission also raised concerns, saying the vote was not credible, citing reports of intimidation and ballot stuffing.
Calls for International Action
The rights coalition has urged the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene immediately.
They called for an independent international investigation into the killings and a special Peace and Security Council meeting to address what they describe as a growing humanitarian crisis in Tanzania.
Tags:
Africa