Tanzania election victims await justice one year on
Thousands may have died in protests after the October 29 election, with many victims still traumatised and seeking redress.
One year after Tanzania's October 29 election, victims of the ensuing violence are still awaiting justice and struggling with trauma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the election with 98 percent of the vote after most opposition parties were excluded, leading to protests that security forces suppressed. Rights groups claim thousands died, while a government commission reported 518 deaths.
Twaha Bomeza, a 61-year-old from Dar es Salaam, lost an eye and four teeth during a shootout on election day, leaving him with an internal eye wound, shortness of breath, and constant headaches. He requires surgery for his injuries but cannot afford it. The Catholic Church held masses to honour victims, and the main opposition party, Chadema, observed a seven-day mourning period.
Government critics continue to face fear of abduction, arbitrary arrest, and charges of treason or terrorism. Bomeza expressed his pain, stating, "My blood was spilled here, but a year has passed, and there is no more blood here."
Why it mattersVictims of election violence, like Twaha Bomeza, are still suffering from injuries and lack of medical care a year after the events.