Tanzanian police have arrested over the week-end CHADEMA’s deputy Secretary general, Amani Golugwa, and are pursuing nine other senior party figures following violent protests that erupted after last week’s elections.
The demonstrations, triggered by the exclusion of opposition leaders including CHADEMA’s Tundu Lissu from the ballot, coincided with incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s landslide victory, securing nearly 98% of the vote. Authorities have charged 145 people with treason, describing the unrest as a coordinated effort to destabilise the country, while the opposition and human rights groups allege that security forces killed more than 1,000 protesters—a figure dismissed by the government as exaggerated.
The violence, reported in cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Mbeya, led to injuries and destruction of public and private property, including bank teller machines and government offices. CHADEMA has accused the government of coercing confessions from party members to cripple its leadership, while African Union observers criticised the election for ballot-box stuffing and lack of credibility. Despite international scrutiny, the government maintains the polls were fair, highlighting a deepening political divide and ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces.