People protest in the streets of Arusha, Tanzania on election day, October 29. Picture: AP.
(The Post News)– Tanzania is facing a wave of international concern following explosive allegations from its main opposition party, Chadema, which claims that police secretly disposed of the bodies of hundreds of demonstrators killed during a violent crackdown after the country’s disputed general election.
The election, held on 29 October, saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure a landslide victory with 97.66% of the vote—a result widely condemned by rival leaders and civil society groups. Chadema reports that young citizens in major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kigoma launched protests to oppose the exclusion of candidates and accuse the government of rigging the vote.
According to CNN, security forces responded to the demonstrations with brutal force, reportedly firing live ammunition, deploying water cannons, and arresting protesters en masse to crush dissent. The government enforced a nationwide curfew and shut down internet access, intensifying fears over transparency and human rights abuses.
Allegations of Mass Disposals and Concealment
On Wednesday, Chadema informed CNN that it had recorded 2,000 fatalities and alleged that police had secretly discarded hundreds of unidentified bodies at a location that remains undisclosed.
“We have credible reports that bodies are being removed from hospitals and morgues and disposed of in remote areas,” said a Chadema spokesperson.
President Hassan, who was sworn in for a second term on 3 November in a ceremony closed to the public, has remained largely silent on the allegations. CNN reported that the outcome grants Hassan a five-year mandate to lead Tanzania, a nation of 68 million. Hassan assumed office in 2021 following her predecessor’s death.
Chadema’s claims have, however, been refuted by Hassan and her administration have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the election was free and fair and that security forces acted within the bounds of the law to maintain order.
During her inauguration address, Hassan admitted that there had been fatalities during the protests, though she did not disclose the number of those who died. Hassan also lamented the fatal and destructive violence, calling it a stain on Tanzania’s reputation.
Furthermore, during her inauguration speech, Hassan gave the order for authorities to make sure that people’s life got back to normal right away. Hassan also pledged unity, vowing to steer the nation Meanwhile, the United Nations has cited “credible reports” of at least 10 deaths and called for an independent investigation into the violence and alleged abuses.
Calls for Accountability and International Pressure
Critics argue that Hassan’s overwhelming victory was engineered to consolidate power and silence dissent within her own party and across the political spectrum.
Human Rights Watch condemned the government’s harsh response to protests, urging authorities to halt the excessive use of force and ensure accountability.
Governments, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada, referenced credible accounts of widespread fatalities, while the Catholic Church also reported deaths in the hundreds, though it could not confirm exact figures.
According to CNN, in a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the three countries highlighted serious injuries and fatalities. “We remain concerned that the run-up to the elections was marked by harassment, abductions, and intimidation of rival figures, journalists, and civil society actors,” the statement noted.
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