Tanzania Charges Over 200 People With Treason After Post-Election Protests

More than 200 people in Tanzania have been arraigned on treason-related charges following widespread protests that erupted after the country’s recent general election.

The demonstrations began after the October 29 poll, which the national electoral commission declared was won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with 98 percent of the vote. Opposition groups, who were barred from participating in the election, rejected the results and described the poll as illegitimate.

Violent clashes broke out across several regions on election day. Although authorities have not released any official casualty figures, opposition members and security sources allege that hundreds of people may have lost their lives. Some diplomatic sources have suggested the number could be significantly higher. An internet shutdown imposed shortly after the vote has further limited access to verified information.

On Friday, November 7, hundreds of individuals appeared before a court in Dar es Salaam. Their lawyer, Peter Kibatala, confirmed the mass charges.

“In three separate cases, more than 250 men and women were arraigned,” Kibatala said. “They are facing two counts: conspiracy to commit treason and treason itself.”

Judicial sources indicate that at least 240 people have been formally charged so far.

Meanwhile, Tanzanian police announced that they are searching for several senior opposition leaders in connection with the unrest. Police spokesperson David Misime urged those being sought to turn themselves in.

“We call on them to surrender to the police immediately,” he said.

Among those named are Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika, Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, and party spokesperson Brenda Rupia. The opposition party, Chadema, claims that at least 800 people were killed in the election-related violence — a figure echoed by some diplomatic and security officials, who warn the toll may be even higher.