
518 people killed in violent aftermath of Tanzanian election
518 people killed in violent aftermath of Tanzanian election
- Over 500 people died in protests following the disputed October 29 election in Tanzania.
- The official report revealed that many victims were male, including 21 children.
- The findings have raised concerns about government accountability and future political stability.
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In Tanzania, following the disputed elections held on October 29, 2020, significant unrest erupted, leading to tragic consequences. An official commission reported that over 500 individuals, specifically 518, lost their lives due to 'unnatural causes,' during the violent protests that occurred in the wake of the election. Among the deceased were at least 21 children aged between five and 17, highlighting the widespread impact of the chaos on families across the country. Additionally, the protests resulted in over 2,000 injuries, with a notable 833 individuals suffering gunshot wounds, raising severe concerns about the level of violence during this turbulent period. The unrest initiated following the controversial victory of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who claimed 98% of the votes; this overwhelming result faced criticism from opposition parties, who labeled it a mockery of democracy. There were suspicions surrounding the election's legitimacy, particularly given that two main opposition leaders were disqualified, which triggered mass protests calling for political reform. The response from the government involved a crackdown on these protests, which some have accused security forces of executing with excessive force and brutality, resulting in significant casualties. The commission, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, noted that the violence stemmed from a combination of economic, political, and social grievances within the society. It also recommended further investigations into the use of firearms during these protests, as many people reportedly vanished or were missing after the unrest. Despite the evident tragedy, the commission did not directly hold anyone accountable for the violence, which has fueled ongoing accusations of governmental repression by opposition groups and human rights organizations. Moreover, international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Office, condemned the use of lethal force against demonstrators, while a separate report by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition documented accusations of mass graves. These allegations were dismissed by the government commission, which stated that the protests were illegal and not deserving of protection under the law. As political tensions simmered, the report's findings are anticipated to influence potential constitutional reforms aimed at preventing such violence in the future.