A Tanzanian court has charged at least 240 people with treason following violent protests that erupted after last week’s election. The protests were sparked by the announcement that President Samia Hassan won the election with 98% of the vote, a result that opposition groups, which were banned from contesting, denounced as fraudulent.
Security forces clashed with protesters, and while the government has downplayed the violence, multiple sources report that hundreds of people were killed during the unrest. Authorities maintain that the election was fair and free. Many individuals have been arrested and charged with treason, though they have not yet entered a plea. According to a charge sheet, the accused are accused of inciting demonstrations to obstruct the election. If convicted, they face the possibility of the death penalty, although most death sentences in Tanzania are commuted to life imprisonment.
Among those charged is prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, who allegedly encouraged protesters to buy gas masks to protect themselves from police tear gas. The charges also include social media influencers. The court has adjourned the case until November 19.
In her inaugural speech, President Hassan condemned the violence, accusing foreigners of exacerbating the unrest. The crackdown has led to fears among the Kenyan community in Tanzania, with reports of Kenyans being targeted. Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has called on Tanzania to ensure the safety of Kenyan nationals, particularly after reports of Kenyans being killed, injured, or detained by Tanzanian security forces. Several Kenyan families have raised alarms about the safety of their relatives, with reports of casualties and injuries, including the death of Kenyan teacher John Ogutu, who was shot by police in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s government has claimed that some foreigners entered the country through illegal border crossings with the intent to incite unrest. This has heightened concerns, especially among the Kenyan diaspora in Tanzania, with many now fleeing the country after a government warning against employing individuals without work permits.
International election observers have criticized the polls for not meeting democratic standards, noting the lack of opposition candidates due to imprisonment or disqualification. While President Hassan’s election win was largely uncontested, the political space in Tanzania has since narrowed. Relations between Tanzania and Kenya have been strained over recent issues, including the deportation of Kenyan observers and the mistreatment of activists.
Security forces clashed with protesters, and while the government has downplayed the violence, multiple sources report that hundreds of people were killed during the unrest. Authorities maintain that the election was fair and free. Many individuals have been arrested and charged with treason, though they have not yet entered a plea. According to a charge sheet, the accused are accused of inciting demonstrations to obstruct the election. If convicted, they face the possibility of the death penalty, although most death sentences in Tanzania are commuted to life imprisonment.
Among those charged is prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, who allegedly encouraged protesters to buy gas masks to protect themselves from police tear gas. The charges also include social media influencers. The court has adjourned the case until November 19.
In her inaugural speech, President Hassan condemned the violence, accusing foreigners of exacerbating the unrest. The crackdown has led to fears among the Kenyan community in Tanzania, with reports of Kenyans being targeted. Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has called on Tanzania to ensure the safety of Kenyan nationals, particularly after reports of Kenyans being killed, injured, or detained by Tanzanian security forces. Several Kenyan families have raised alarms about the safety of their relatives, with reports of casualties and injuries, including the death of Kenyan teacher John Ogutu, who was shot by police in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s government has claimed that some foreigners entered the country through illegal border crossings with the intent to incite unrest. This has heightened concerns, especially among the Kenyan diaspora in Tanzania, with many now fleeing the country after a government warning against employing individuals without work permits.
International election observers have criticized the polls for not meeting democratic standards, noting the lack of opposition candidates due to imprisonment or disqualification. While President Hassan’s election win was largely uncontested, the political space in Tanzania has since narrowed. Relations between Tanzania and Kenya have been strained over recent issues, including the deportation of Kenyan observers and the mistreatment of activists.
