Tanzania Braces for Nationwide Protests Amid Post-Election Tensions
Tanzania is set to witness nationwide protests tomorrow, December 9, following the violent aftermath of last month’s elections. Amnesty International has urged the Tanzanian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, ensuring that the protests are facilitated and safeguarded.
The call comes after the organization documented human rights violations committed by state security officers during post-election protests, which took place from October 29 to November 3. The authorities had imposed a nationwide internet shutdown during this period, making it challenging to monitor and report on the violations. The shutdown also obstructed access to information, a fundamental right.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for the police to refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters. He also stressed that the authorities must avoid blanket internet shutdowns, which violate the right to access information and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses.
The Tanzanian authorities are expected to conduct an independent, thorough, and impartial investigation into the alleged human rights violations committed by state security officers during the post-election protests. Those suspected of responsibility must be held accountable in fair proceedings.
The upcoming protests are a response to the violent events that unfolded after the October 29 elections, which saw security forces commit various human rights violations, including unlawful killings and enforced disappearances. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for the Tanzanian government to uphold its commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
As the protests approach, the Tanzanian authorities must prioritize the protection of human rights and the safety of all individuals involved. The international community will be monitoring the situation closely, with the hope that the protests will be peaceful and that the government will take concrete steps to address the grievances of its citizens. The outcome of these protests will be crucial in determining the future of human rights in Tanzania.