How Did Tanzanian Police Suppress Election Protests with Deadly Force?

The recent protests in Tanzania have escalated into a violent confrontation between demonstrators and police, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. Verified footage reveals graphic scenes of violence as police deployed lethal force to suppress dissent during the presidential and parliamentary elections held on 29 October 2023. The unrest, sparked by long-standing frustrations with a political system dominated by a single party since independence, raises serious concerns about human rights violations in Tanzania.

Last updated: 05 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following the elections in Tanzania, widespread protests erupted across multiple cities, most notably in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. The demonstrations began as young people expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling party and the electoral process, which many viewed as unfair. The Tanzanian government responded with force, leading to reports of hundreds of deaths and injuries. The United Nations has called for an investigation into these events, heightening international scrutiny of Tanzania's human rights record.

Key takeaways

• Protests erupted on 29 October 2023, in response to perceived electoral injustices.
• Police used lethal force against protesters, resulting in significant casualties.
• The UN is calling for an investigation into human rights violations during the protests.

Timeline: how we got here

The protests and ensuing violence can be traced through the following significant events:

• 29 October 2023: Protests begin in Dar es Salaam as citizens express discontent over the elections.
• 30 October 2023: The unrest spreads to other urban areas, including Mwanza and Arusha.
• 4 November 2023: The government lifts an internet blackout, revealing graphic footage of the violence.
• 5 November 2023: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demands accountability for the violence.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports indicate that the number of casualties may exceed 500, with various videos confirming the use of live ammunition by police. The UN's involvement signals a potential for international pressure on the Tanzanian government to address human rights abuses.

What was already established

Prior to the protests, the political climate in Tanzania had been increasingly repressive, with opposition leaders facing arrests and bans from elections. This history of political suppression contributed to the public's outrage.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK citizens, this situation highlights the importance of observing international human rights standards. The repercussions of the violence in Tanzania may influence discussions on trade and diplomatic relations with the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses with ties to Tanzania may find themselves affected by the instability. The violence could disrupt supply chains and lead to increased operational risks in the region.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may face pressure to review its foreign policy towards Tanzania, especially concerning human rights and governance. The situation could lead to calls for sanctions or other measures to promote accountability.

Numbers that matter

• 500+ reported deaths, according to diplomatic sources.
• Over 700 miles (1125 km) of protests spread across Tanzania.
• 98% of the vote reportedly claimed by incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
• Dozens of videos showing gunfire and casualties have emerged since the internet blackout was lifted.

Definitions and jargon buster

• OHCHR: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• UN: United Nations, an international organisation aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among countries.
• Live rounds: Ammunition designed to inflict harm, as opposed to rubber bullets that are intended for crowd control.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the situation in Tanzania may remain volatile as protests continue. Observers should monitor for changes in government policies regarding public dissent and the treatment of opposition leaders.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next several months, the international community is likely to increase scrutiny of Tanzania's human rights practices. Potential sanctions or diplomatic measures may emerge as responses to the government's actions.

Signals to watch

• Reports from human rights organisations regarding ongoing violence and detentions.
• Statements from the Tanzanian government regarding reforms or responses to the protests.
• International reactions, particularly from the UN and UK government, regarding the situation in Tanzania.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the situation through reliable news sources.
• Advocate for human rights and accountability in international forums.

Don’t

• Ignore the implications of the violence on political stability in Tanzania.
• Assume that the situation will resolve without external pressure.

Checklist

• Monitor news updates from trusted outlets for the latest developments.
• Engage with organisations advocating for human rights.
• Consider supporting initiatives aimed at promoting democratic governance in Tanzania.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are uncertainties regarding the true scale of the violence, as the government has restricted access to information. Many reports rely on eyewitness accounts and social media videos, which may not provide a complete picture. Additionally, the political landscape in Tanzania is fluid, and future developments could alter the current dynamics.

Bottom line

The violent response to protests in Tanzania following the recent elections raises serious questions about the country's commitment to human rights and democratic governance. As the international community watches closely, it is crucial for UK citizens and policymakers to remain engaged and advocate for accountability and reform in Tanzania.

FAQs

What prompted the protests in Tanzania?

The protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with Tanzania's political system, perceived electoral injustices, and the long-standing dominance of a single party since independence.

How has the government responded to the protests?

The Tanzanian government has responded with force, deploying police to suppress the protests, leading to reports of numerous deaths and injuries among demonstrators.

What is the international community doing about the situation?

The UN has called for an investigation into the violence and human rights violations during the protests, urging accountability for those responsible.