Tanzania cancels independence day events to fund unrest repairs

Tanzania cancels independence day events to fund unrest repairs

Tanzania has called off its 9 December independence day celebrations, redirecting the budget toward repairing infrastructure damaged during post-election unrest, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced Tuesday. The decision follows opposition calls for mass demonstrations on the same date to protest alleged state violence after last month's disputed presidential election.

Opposition claims hundreds killed in crackdown

Opposition groups allege hundreds died in a government crackdown after the 29 October vote, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected with 98% of the vote-a result opponents dismissed as a "mockery of democracy." The government has not released an official death toll but established a commission of inquiry, though critics question its independence.

Key opposition figures were barred from running: Tundu Lissu, a prominent critic, remains detained on treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected on technical grounds. International election observers later reported evidence of vote manipulation and democratic shortcomings.

ICC petition alleges crimes against humanity

A coalition of lawyers and human rights organizations has formally urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate President Samia and her administration for alleged crimes against humanity, including mass killings and the secret disposal of over 500 bodies. The 82-page submission, filed with the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor on 13 November, was made public Tuesday.

Graphic images and videos of victims, some verified by international media, circulated online after the government lifted a five-day internet blackout imposed during the election. Authorities had warned against sharing protest footage, framing such actions as attempts to "tarnish Tanzania's image." Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa stated Sunday that the inquiry commission would "shed light" on the events, but skeptics doubt its impartiality.

Government releases detainees, urges dialogue

At least 240 people faced treason charges post-protest, though President Samia later instructed prosecutors to "show leniency," leading to many releases. In his Tuesday address, Prime Minister Nchemba appealed for calm and political dialogue:

"I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us. Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable."

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba

President Samia, Tanzania's first female leader since assuming office in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, initially eased political repression but has since overseen a shrinking civic space, analysts say.

Key developments at a glance

• Election disputed: Samia re-elected with 98% amid opposition boycott and observer criticisms.
• Violence allegations: Opposition claims hundreds killed; government withholds death toll.
• ICC petition: 82-page dossier submitted 13 November alleges mass killings and secret burials.
• Internet blackout: Five-day restriction lifted; graphic protest footage verified internationally.
• Legal crackdown: 240 treason charges filed; many later released after presidential leniency call.