Rising Violence and Arrests Cast Doubt on Tanzania’s Political Progress Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Tanzania is facing a troubling political situation as violence and arrests against opposition members increase, raising concerns about a return to the oppressive climate under former President John Magufuli. Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021, there was hope for change, especially as she allowed opposition parties to hold rallies and speak out without fear. However, recent events suggest a worrying shift.
Opposition party leader Freeman Mbowe has been arrested multiple times recently, and another official, Ali Kibao, was tragically abducted and killed, with his body treated with acid. Tundu Lissu, the deputy leader of the Chadema party, expressed deep concern about these developments, noting the alarming similarity to the repression seen during the Magufuli years. Lissu himself was arrested after planning a protest against Kibao’s murder and has previously survived a violent assassination attempt.
Critics are accusing the government of using state power to silence dissent. Rights organizations and diplomats have called for an end to arbitrary detentions and demand independent investigations into the violence. While President Hassan condemned Kibao’s killing and called for investigations, she also warned foreign nations against interfering in Tanzania’s issues.
Political analysts suggest there is a growing mistrust between the government and opposition parties, hindering potential dialogue. Initially, President Hassan had a vision of reconciliation and reforms, which earned her praise. However, the current climate raises questions about whether those ideals can be realized.
Some believe that while the political space is more open than under Magufuli, genuine reform is still needed to reduce the president’s power.
Activist Fatma Karume emphasized the need for legal changes to prevent any president from holding too much authority. She noted that while the current leadership may not be as oppressive, the risks of authoritarianism remain.
As Tanzania approaches local elections and prepares for the presidential election in 2026, the challenges and tensions continue to grow.
There’s hope for a better political climate, but many remain cautious about what lies ahead. The situation demands careful attention from both the government and citizens to ensure that the country does not slip back into the dark days of political repression【BBC】.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4d52z505po