Families affected by Tanzania's election-related violence, which resulted in at least 500 deaths, are demanding justice and financial assistance. Meshack Sane, who was shot in the leg, told the BBC that he can no longer afford hospital bills. The violence occurred during the 2025 presidential election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan elected with 98% of the vote. The opposition dismissed the result as a "mockery" of democracy.
Amnesty International has accused President Hassan's government of "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear". The rights group documented human rights violations by security agencies against government critics, opposition supporters, and dissenting members of the ruling party. Amnesty's regional director for East and southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, stated that no official has been criminally investigated or prosecuted for the excessive force used against protesters.
The opposition had dismissed the election result, citing the exclusion of President Hassan's main challengers. Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, was put on trial for treason ahead of the poll, preventing him from standing. Lissu had been demanding electoral reforms, and a verdict in his case is due next week. He recently went on a hunger strike, alleging that he was not being allowed access to his lawyers.
The BBC has verified multiple videos of police shooting towards protesters during the election-related violence. Footage posted online showed demonstrators being confronted by heavily armed units blocking their progress and firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Families of some victims, like Mwajuma Hamisi, have been left destitute after losing their loved ones.
A commission of inquiry's report into the violence was handed to President Hassan in April, officially recording 518 deaths. However, Amnesty criticised the fact that the full report has not yet been made public, saying it "entrenches a culture of secrecy". President Hassan has since set up another commission to identify those behind the violence.
Amnesty also documented a continuing crackdown by the authorities, with 17 people interviewed detailing arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and abductions. A 26-year-old man who had expressed support for demonstrations was arrested and held without charge for 47 days, during which he was blindfolded, beaten, and urinated on by his interrogators.
Many families of victims, like Neema Munuo, are still seeking answers and justice. Munuo's 18-year-old daughter Maria Chami was shot while buying phone credit in Arusha. The families demand that the government acknowledge their suffering and provide financial assistance for medical treatment and other needs.
Key points
- Amnesty International accuses Tanzania's government of weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics.
- At least 500 people died in election-related violence during the 2025 presidential election.
- Families of victims demand justice and financial assistance from the government.
