Political tensons escalate after disputed elections

Tanzania is heading into a volatile and consequential week as political tensions escalate following disputed elections marred by violence, widespread arrests and a near-total internet blackout. With nationwide protests planned for tomorrow, Independence Day, the country faces one of its most serious crises in decades. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the start of a political dialogue and a national healing process. However, the opposition and civil society groups argue that reconciliation is impossible while key leaders remain detained and as security forces continue to crack down on dissent. Among those in custody is Chadema’s Tundu Lissu, who was barred from contesting the election. Speaking to Channel Africa yesterday, Chadema’s international secretary, Deogratias Munishi, dismissed Hassa’s call for dialogue as hollow, arguing that the election on 29 October lacked credibility and that the government has yet to acknowledge wrongdoing. Munishi said that while international pressure is mounting, the driving force behind the government’s shift in tone is domestic resistance, particularly from young people determined to push ahead with protest action. Despite Hassan’s assurances of openness to dialogue, Munishi argued that the creation of a commission of inquiry into election-related violence lacks credibility. He insisted that genuine engagement can only occur once the government acknowledges abuses and those responsible are held to account. He urged the African Union, Southern African Development Community and the East African Community to prioritise citizens rather than political elites.