Tanzania is seeking the arrest of 10 people, including senior opposition figures, it has blamed for the deadly protests during elections last week.
More than 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations, according to the main opposition party, Chadema, and human rights bodies. The Tanzanian government has said these figures were exaggerated but did not give its own figures.
The incumbent President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was deemed the winner of the election with 98% of the vote, but the opposition – which was barred from participating – condemned the results as fraudulent.
The government claimed the elections were free and fair, but the main rivals were not allowed to run, election observers said the vote was not democratic and cited instances of ballot stuffing.
Tanzanian authorities said 10 people are wanted in connection with the unrest, including senior figures in Chadema. On Friday, prosecutors charged 145 people with treason.
“The police force, in collaboration with other defence and security agencies, is continuing a serious manhunt to find all who planned, coordinated and executed this evil act,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
Chadema’s Secretary General, John Mnyika, the party’s Deputy, Amani Golugwa, and the Head of Communications, Brenda Rupia, were among those wanted for arrest.
The leader of Chadema, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason in April and not allowed to run in the elections. The exclusion of Lissu and other political figures from the ballot fuelled the ensuing protests.
According to Amnesty International, in the run-up to the elections, Tanzanian authorities carried out enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings.
Protests broke out on 29 October in cities across Tanzania, leading to violence and clashes with police, a statement from authorities said.
Amnesty International said authorities cut off internet access and used excessive force in its attempt to suppress post-election protests.
Rights groups said the government has cracked down on individuals perceived to be associated with the protests, including the prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, who was accused of encouraging protesters to buy gas masks.
President Hassan acknowledged that there were deaths, but blamed the unrest on foreigners, stating: “It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries.”
Despite the protests, Hassan was sworn into office on Monday. Her inauguration ceremony was televised but closed to the public and held at a military parade ground in the capital.
The President was elected in 2021 and was Tanzania’s first female President.
She was initially praised by activists for easing political repression, but has since been accused of reversing course.
*PHOTO CAPTION: President Hassan.
