More than 200 people in Tanzania have been charged with treason following violent unrest sparked by the country’s disputed national election.
The protests erupted after the October 29 poll, which the electoral commission declared was won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with 98 percent of the vote. Opposition leaders, who had been barred from running, dismissed the result as a “sham.”
Widespread demonstrations broke out across major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha, leading to violent clashes between security forces and protesters. Opposition sources and witnesses claim that the death toll may reach hundreds or even thousands, though authorities have not released any official figures.
On Friday, November 7, hundreds of people appeared before courts in Dar es Salaam to face charges. Defense lawyer Peter Kibatala confirmed that more than 250 individuals were arraigned across three separate cases.
“All of these ladies and gentlemen were charged with two sets of offences — conspiracy to commit treason and treason itself,” Kibatala said.
Judicial sources verified that at least 240 people were charged in total.
The government imposed an internet blackout in the aftermath of the election, cutting off access for several days and severely restricting the flow of verified information from the ground.
Opposition party Chadema has accused security forces of carrying out a massacre, alleging that at least 800 people were killed during the election violence. Diplomatic and intelligence sources have supported claims that the actual number of casualties could be significantly higher.
Tanzanian police confirmed late Friday that several opposition leaders are wanted in connection with the unrest.
Police spokesperson David Misime said, “Following our investigations and the evidence we gathered, we are looking for these ten people to arrest them. We call on them to surrender to the police immediately.”
Those named include Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika, Deputy Secretary Amani Golugwa, and party spokesperson Brenda Rupia.
The treason charges carry the death penalty under Tanzanian law if convictions are secured, marking one of the most severe crackdowns on political dissent in the country’s recent history.
