A year after Tanzania's highly contested presidential election, families of victims are demanding justice and assistance. The 2025 election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan win with 98% of the vote, but the opposition dismissed the result as a "mockery" of democracy. At least 500 people died in the ensuing violence, with many more injured. Meshack Sane, who was shot in the leg during the protests, told the BBC that he can no longer afford medical treatment.
Human rights group Amnesty International has accused President Samia's government of "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear". The group documented human rights violations by security agencies, including excessive force against protesters, with impunity. Amnesty's regional director for East and southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, stated that no officials have been criminally investigated or prosecuted for their actions. The situation has deteriorated since the crackdown began.
The opposition had criticised the election process, with Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, excluded from the poll due to a treason trial. Lissu had been demanding electoral reforms and went on a hunger strike earlier this week, alleging he was not allowed access to his lawyers. His lawyer, Dickson Matata, stated that Lissu has now been granted a meeting and will resume eating.
President Samia has insisted that the election was fair and transparent, blaming foreigners for the unrest. She claims it was part of a plot to overthrow her. The BBC has verified videos of police shooting at protesters, and footage showed demonstrators being confronted by heavily armed units. The authorities have denied accusations of widespread abuses, stating that the government respects human rights.
Families of victims, like Mwajuma Hamisi, have been left destitute after losing their loved ones. Hamisi's husband, George Kisivani, was shot in Arusha on the day of the vote and died two days later. She now sells vegetables at a market to support their five children. Meshack Sane, who was shot in the leg, has undergone multiple surgeries and still needs further treatment but cannot afford it.
A commission of inquiry's report into the violence was handed to President Samia in April, officially recording 518 deaths. However, Amnesty criticised the fact that the full report has not been made public, saying it "entrenches a culture of secrecy". The president has set up another commission to identify those behind the violence. Amnesty demands that this new commission addresses the role of security forces in the crackdown.
Amnesty also documented cases of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and abductions. A 26-year-old man who expressed support for demonstrations was arrested and held without charge for 47 days. He alleged that he was blindfolded, beaten, and urinated on by his interrogators. Many victims, like Neema Munuo, whose 18-year-old daughter was shot, want the government to acknowledge their suffering and provide justice.
Key points
- President Samia's government accused of weaponising counterterrorism laws
- At least 500 people died in election-related violence in Tanzania
- Families of victims demand justice and medical assistance
