Tanzania marks one year since deadly election violence
Thousands killed in protests suppressed by security forces, with victims still traumatised and critics facing charges.
One year after Tanzania's October 29 election, many citizens remain traumatised by violence that erupted when security forces suppressed protests. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the election with 98 percent of the vote after most opposition parties were excluded. A government commission reported 518 deaths, while rights groups and the opposition claim thousands were killed.
Twaha Bomeza, 61, lost four front teeth and suffered an eye injury from shrapnel during a shootout in Dar es Salaam, requiring surgery he cannot afford. The Catholic Church held masses to honour victims, and the main opposition party, Chadema, declared a seven-day mourning period, stating Tanzania has become an authoritarian state. The streets of Dar es Salaam were heavily policed.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces a treason trial verdict on November 6, having begun a hunger strike for lawyer access. Another opposition official, John Pambalu, was recently charged with treason, and dissident Twaha Mwaipaya was abducted in Kenya and is missing. Analysts describe Tanzania as tense with rising arbitrary arrests.
Why it mattersCitizens are traumatised by election violence, face arbitrary arrests, and live in fear of abduction and treason charges.