Tanzania Charges 240 With Treason Following Post-Election Protests
At least 240 people have been charged with treason in Tanzania following deadly protests that erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of last week’s election, a result the opposition has denounced as fraudulent.
The charges were filed today at a court in Dar es Salaam, where the defendants – including prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin and several social media influencers – were accused of inciting demonstrations intended to obstruct the election process, according to a charge sheet. If convicted, they could face the death penalty, though sentences are typically commuted to life imprisonment in Tanzania, where the last execution occurred in the 1990s. The arrests and charges come amid reports of hundreds killed in clashes between security forces and protesters, though authorities have downplayed the scale of the violence and maintain the election was free and fair.
The unrest has also raised concerns for the safety of Kenyan citizens in Tanzania, with reports of targeted crackdowns. Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has spoken with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, to ensure the protection of Kenyans living and working in Tanzania, following reports of deaths, injuries, and detentions. Approximately 250,000 Kenyans reside in Tanzania, according to May statements from Mudavadi. This situation highlights the delicate regional dynamics within the East African Community.
During her inauguration speech, President Hassan condemned the violence and blamed foreign actors for stoking unrest. The court has adjourned until November 19th, and authorities have warned employers against hiring individuals without valid work permits, prompting many Kenyans to flee the country. The disputed election and subsequent crackdown raise questions about the future of democratic governance in Tanzania, a nation that has seen a narrowing of political space in recent years despite initial hopes for liberalization following the death of former President John Magufuli in 2021.
