Presidency concerned over violence in Tanzania as unrest follows election results

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed concern over the loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property and public infrastructure in Tanzania amid president Samia Hassan’s recent presidential election victory.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s office echoed Malawian president and chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Peter Mutharika’s call for all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from actions that may further escalate violence, and prioritise dialogue and peaceful solutions to the current challenges.

“Namibia fully supports the SADC position and joins the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for peaceful engagement among all parties to restore calm, stability, and respect for democratic processes in Tanzania,” presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo said last week.

Hassan received about 31.9 million votes (97.66%), and turnout reached 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters, Tanzania’s electoral commission chief, Jacobs Mwambegele, has said.

However, opposition parties have rejected the results amid unrest and deaths during demonstrations, while the main opposition party, the Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema), was barred from running, with its leader, Tundu Lissu, arrested.

Various other international bodies, including the African Union, have also raised concerns over the ongoing violence and media crackdown in Tanzania.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Youssouf, while congratulating Hassan, expressed regret over the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests.

He encouraged the authorities in the country to safeguard human rights within the framework of the law.

He also called on citizens to exercise their rights in a peaceful and responsible manner.

“The African Union reaffirms its readiness to support the people and government of Tanzania in their efforts to preserve peace, national cohesion, and democracy,” Youssouf said.

The European Union (EU) has said reliable reports of large numbers of deaths and significant injuries are of extreme concern.

“The lack of level playing field in the run-up to the elections was marked by reports of abductions and disappearances and violence limiting the civic and democratic space,” the EU said yesterday.

Commonwealth of Nations secretary general Shirley Botchwey has also expressed concern over the reported violence.

“I appeal to the Tanzanian authorities to ensure conditions for peaceful and orderly demonstration, while I encourage all to exercise maximum restraint and respect for law and order.

“The authorities need to initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of excessive use of force by security forces,” she said last week.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.