Tanzania: Hundreds Charged with Treason After Disputed Election

At least 240 people have been charged with treason in Tanzania following protests against last week's election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with 98% of the vote. The opposition, which was largely barred from participating, has condemned the election as a sham, alleging widespread irregularities and intimidation.

The charges, which carry a potential death penalty, relate to the alleged incitement of demonstrations aimed at obstructing the electoral process. While Tanzania technically retains the death penalty, executions have been rare, with the last one carried out in the 1990s. Sentences are often commuted to life imprisonment.

Opposition Condemns Election, Authorities Downplay Violence

Security forces clashed with protestors in the aftermath of the election. While opposition sources claim hundreds were killed, authorities have downplayed the scale of the violence, maintaining that the election was free and fair. The government has also accused unnamed foreign actors of fueling the unrest.

According to a charge sheet seen by the BBC, the accused were formally charged in a Dar es Salaam court. They were not asked to enter a plea. The case has been adjourned until November 19th.

Prominent Businesswoman Among Those Charged

Among those charged is prominent Tanzanian businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, accused of encouraging protesters to purchase gas masks to protect themselves from police tear gas. Several social media influencers are also among the defendants.

The crackdown following the election has raised concerns internationally, particularly regarding the safety of Kenyans residing in Tanzania. Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi has spoken with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, requesting guarantees for the safety and dignity of the estimated 250,000 Kenyans living and working in Tanzania.

Kenyan Concerns Mount Over Safety of Citizens

Reports have emerged of Kenyans being targeted in the post-election crackdown. Some families in Kenya have expressed fears for the safety of their relatives in Tanzania, with reports of deaths, injuries, and detentions allegedly inflicted by Tanzanian security forces. John Ogutu, a Kenyan teacher working in Dar es Salaam, was reportedly shot dead by police, according to his family. His family claims they cannot trace his body for repatriation and burial.

The Kenyan foreign affairs ministry has urged relatives of Kenyans who may be in distress in Tanzania to provide their details and emergency contacts. Reports suggest that many Kenyans, particularly those employed in private schools, are fleeing Tanzania following government warnings to employers against hiring individuals without work permits.

Historical Context and President Samia's Leadership

President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially came to power in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. Her early tenure was marked by some easing of political restrictions, a departure from her predecessor's more authoritarian style. However, observers note a narrowing of the political space in recent months, raising concerns about a return to more repressive policies.

Analyst View: A Step Backwards for Democracy?

According to Dr. Imani Mwale, a political analyst specializing in East African affairs, "The recent election and subsequent crackdown represent a significant setback for democratic progress in Tanzania. While President Samia initially signaled a willingness to open up political discourse, the events of the past week suggest a return to more authoritarian tactics. The sweeping treason charges are particularly concerning, as they could be used to silence dissent and consolidate power."

Tanzania-Kenya Relations Under Strain

Tanzania and Kenya, both members of the East African Community, have historically experienced periods of both cooperation and tension. In May, diplomatic relations were strained over Tanzania's treatment of Kenyans observing the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Several Kenyans were deported, and allegations of torture and sexual mistreatment surfaced regarding the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire.

The current situation adds another layer of complexity to the relationship, raising questions about the future of bilateral ties and regional stability.

Expert View: Impact on Regional Stability

"The situation in Tanzania could have wider implications for the East African region," says Professor Kwame Addo, an expert in African security studies. "A crackdown on dissent and a perceived lack of democratic legitimacy could fuel instability and potentially embolden authoritarian tendencies in neighboring countries. It's crucial for regional bodies and international actors to engage constructively with Tanzania to promote respect for human rights and democratic principles."

The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely watching developments in Tanzania.