Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — A commission of inquiry has confirmed a harrowing toll of 518 deaths in Tanzania following last year’s general elections, attributing the fatalities to “unnatural causes “amidst widespread protests.
The chairman of the commission, Mohamed Chande Othman, did not assign blame but emphasized the need for further investigations.
The report, which was established to delve into the root causes of the unrest, found that the violence stemmed from a combination of economic, political, and social issues. Key among these were calls for political reforms, high unemployment rates, and a perceived lack of patriotism.
The commission highlighted that while politicians and activists leveraged these issues to mobilize citizens, the protests were neither peaceful nor lawful, and thus did not qualify for legal protection. Despite the government’s assertion that the election was fair and transparent, President Samia Suluhu Hassan faced criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups. They accused the security forces of a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.
President Hassan, however, attributed the violence to foreign interference and a conspiracy aimed at ousting her administration.
The commission’s findings come amidst ongoing political tensions and amid concerns about the impartiality of the nine-member panel, which was appointed by President Hassan.
The inquiry gathered evidence from across the country, including from ordinary citizens, victims, political leaders, and security agencies. Some sessions were conducted in private, adding a layer of opacity to the process.
As the situation unfolds, the international community, including the African Union, is closely monitoring the situation.
The AU has called on member states to uphold democratic principles and ensure the protection of the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The findings of the commission of inquiry are expected to have significant implications for Tanzania’s future and the broader struggle for democracy in Africa.
The outcome of the ongoing investigations and the government’s response to the commission’s findings will be crucial in determining the path forward for Tanzania and its commitment to democratic governance and human rights.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
