In the wake of the partial internet shutdown implemented by Tanzanian authorities following the general elections on October 29, Amnesty International officials have voiced strong concerns regarding the ongoing human rights violations. Vongai Chikwanda, the Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, expressed alarm over the situation, highlighting the suffering experienced by citizens due to widespread internet and electricity disruptions that have lasted for nearly a week.
Chikwanda noted that these blackouts coincided with reports of security forces employing excessive force to quell post-election protests, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities among demonstrators. This marks the third instance in less than a year where Tanzanian authorities have resorted to internet blockades to silence opposition voices, raising significant alarm about the infringement on fundamental rights.
Amnesty International has called on the Tanzanian government to immediately halt the suppression of protests and to respect the right to peaceful assembly. They demand the unconditional release of individuals detained solely for exercising their rights. The organization insists that authorities must thoroughly investigate all killings by security personnel, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable through fair trials.
Additionally, Chikwanda urged the authorities to allow both local and international media to report freely on the country’s human rights landscape, emphasizing the need to lift restrictions on information access and to restore internet connectivity and essential public services. The current limitations hinder the ability to verify information and document human rights violations tied to the elections.
Following the elections, which saw the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party maintain its dominance while barring key opposition candidates like Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina from participating, protests erupted across major cities including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza. Prior to the elections, Amnesty International had already warned of heightened repression against dissent by the government, targeting opposition members, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists.
While some residents reported a partial return of internet services in select cities on November 3, the situation remains precarious. The ongoing efforts by human rights organizations seek not only to restore basic freedoms but also to ensure that the voices of Tanzanian citizens are heard and respected. This movement underscores the importance of civil liberties in fostering a democratic society and the hopeful prospect of change through continued advocacy.