A retired Ugandan military commander has sparked controversy by urging Tanzania's armed forces to seize power and halt violence that erupted after disputed elections gave President Samia Suluhu Hassan more than 97 percent of the votes cast on October 29. Gen. David Sejusa said the Tanzania People's Defence Force should step in to prevent further deaths and damage before working toward stability. His statement followed reports from advocacy organizations documenting at least 10 fatalities and numerous detentions as police and soldiers moved against demonstrators in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Mwanza. Opposition figures had accused the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party of voter suppression and electoral fraud.
Uganda's United Nations envoy Adonia Ayebare criticized the remarks as excessive and rooted in social media misinformation, asserting that conditions had largely stabilized. Sejusa defended his position by citing information from Tanzanian state media and arguing that armies serve as safeguards when civilian authorities cannot protect their populations. The former intelligence official rejected what he called Western prejudices against all military takeovers. Tanzanian officials maintain order has returned, though regional watchers remain troubled by both the election's integrity and the government's response to demonstrations.
Uganda's United Nations envoy Adonia Ayebare criticized the remarks as excessive and rooted in social media misinformation, asserting that conditions had largely stabilized. Sejusa defended his position by citing information from Tanzanian state media and arguing that armies serve as safeguards when civilian authorities cannot protect their populations. The former intelligence official rejected what he called Western prejudices against all military takeovers. Tanzanian officials maintain order has returned, though regional watchers remain troubled by both the election's integrity and the government's response to demonstrations.
