Tanzania: Suluhu seeks support from Ruto and Museveni amid election unrest

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is reportedly seeking the support of Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni as her country navigates a contentious election period.

The move comes as Western embassies have expressed concerns over the electoral process, with reports of a crackdown on opposition figures and restricted freedoms.

Regional diplomacy amidst election concerns

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reportedly engaged with Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, seeking their support as Tanzania undergoes a highly contested presidential election. This outreach occurs at a time when international observers and Western embassies have voiced apprehension regarding the electoral climate. Reports indicate a significant crackdown on opposition voices in the months leading up to the election, with prominent opposition leaders facing legal challenges and restrictions.

Tanzania main opposition party, Chadema, says at least 700 people have been killed in election protests, marking a dramatic escalation in the violent unrest that has gripped the country since a contentious vote. The claims, which far exceed other estimates, follow days of demonstrations over an election that critics say was undermined by the exclusion of key opposition candidates and a crackdown on dissent.

John Kitoka, a spokesperson for Chadema, told Agence France-Presse that the party figures were gathered by members visiting hospitals and clinics. “As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700,” he said. Kitoka warned the actual toll could be higher, citing killings that may have occurred during a night-time curfew imposed by the government.

The scale of the casualties was partially corroborated by a security source speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, who reported knowledge of “more than 500 dead, maybe 700-800 in the whole country.” However, the international community figures have been lower.

Amnesty International stated it had received information of at least 100 fatalities, while the UN Human Rights Office said it was “alarmed” by reports of deaths and injuries, noting it had received credible accounts of security forces using live ammunition and teargas in several regions. The protests erupted on election day last Wednesday, with demonstrators decrying what they called the stifling of democracy after the disqualification of major opposition presidential candidates.

Challenges to single-party rule

The election has highlighted a growing challenge to Tanzania decades-long single-party rule, dominated by the Chama cha Mapinduzi party. Critics argue that the current electoral environment, characterized by the disqualification and jailing of key opposition figures like Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, has created a situation where President Hassan is running virtually unopposed. This has led to widespread criticism, with some labeling the election a “coronation” rather than a genuine contest.

Opposition and human rights concerns

Human rights organizations and opposition groups have documented a pattern of repression in Tanzania ahead of the elections. Allegations include enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. The International Crisis Group has noted an “unprecedented crackdown on political opponents,” with restrictions on freedom of expression, including bans on social media platforms and intimidation tactics against critical voices. The deployment of the military alongside police to quell protests in major cities underscores the heightened tensions.

Regional political landscape

While Tanzania faces internal political challenges, its neighbors are also navigating their own political dynamics. In Uganda, opposition leader Bobi Wine has emerged as a significant force against President Yoweri Museveni long tenure.

In Kenya, President William Ruto has faced protests concerning corruption and unfulfilled campaign promises. These regional developments provide a backdrop to President Hassan diplomatic efforts to secure support from her counterparts.

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