Tanzania is in pursuit of senior opposition figures allegedly responsible for violent protests that erupted across the nation following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, and certain human rights activists claim that over 1,000 individuals were killed by security forces. Although the government disputes these figures as exaggerated, it has not provided its own death toll.
In response to the unrest, the police have identified 10 individuals wanted for questioning and have charged 145 people with treason. A police spokesperson declared an ongoing intensive search operation to apprehend all those involved in orchestrating and executing the disturbances.
Among those sought for arrest are key figures from Chadema, including the secretary general, John Mnyika, his deputy, Amaan Golugwa, and the party’s head of communications, Brenda Rupia. Chadema representatives were not immediately reachable for comments on the police statement.
The protests were largely fueled by the exclusion of Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, from the ballot, leading to widespread demonstrations. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner by the electoral commission with nearly 98% of the vote and was inaugurated on Monday.
African Union observers criticized the election’s credibility, citing instances of ballot box tampering. Despite this, the government maintains that the election was conducted fairly. Violent demonstrations erupted on October 29 in various cities and regions across Tanzania, resulting in injuries and significant damage to private and public property, including government facilities and bank ATMs.