Tanzanian families demand justice a year after election violence
Victims of post‑election unrest are calling for accountability and medical aid as Amnesty accuses the government of weaponising counter‑terror laws.
Calls for post‑poll justice grow louder
One year after violence surrounding Tanzania’s presidential election, families of the dead and injured are demanding answers. Neema Munuo, whose 18‑year‑old daughter Maria Chami was shot dead on election day, wants the government to acknowledge her suffering.
Meshack Sane, who was shot in the leg, told the BBC he can no longer afford hospital bills.
A government‑appointed commission of inquiry reported 518 deaths from “unnatural causes” during the unrest, including 197 people who were shot.
Amnesty International’s accusations
On the eve of the election anniversary, Amnesty International accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of “weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear.” The group said it had documented human‑rights violations by security agencies against critics, opposition supporters, media organisations and dissenting members of the ruling CCM party.
“Not a single official has been criminally investigated, let alone prosecuted and punished for the excessive force that Tanzanian security forces used against protesters,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s regional director for East and Southern Africa.
Opposition leader’s legal battle
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, 58, of the Chadema party, was barred from the poll after being put on trial for treason. He has been demanding electoral reforms, and a verdict in his case is due next week.
Lissu recently ended a hunger strike after prison authorities allowed him a meeting with his lawyer, Dickson Matata, who confirmed the meeting took place and that Lissu would be eating again.
Government response
President Hassan, 66, has insisted the election was fair and transparent, blaming foreigners for the unrest and describing it as part of a plot to overthrow her.
The authorities have repeatedly denied accusations of widespread abuses, saying the government is committed to respecting human rights.
Families and rights groups continue to press for justice, medical assistance and accountability as the country marks the anniversary of a contested vote.
