WeeklySA_AdminDISCONTENT: Protests began as Tanzania went to the polls on Wednesday. With opposition leaders jailed, Internet access cut, the election has been criticised as ceremonial for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to get back to power…
By Nicholas Mwangi
Some of the regions in Tanzania descended into chaos following the country’s general elections on Wednesday (October 29), which many observers described as “ceremonial” rather than a contest. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female head of state in 2021, was already the overwhelming favourite to win in an election devoid of meaningful opposition.
According to reports, the vote was marred by a nationwide internet shutdown, curfews, and unrest after protests broke out in parts of Dar es Salaam, reflecting widespread discontent over what citizens and regional observers have called a sham election.
Live network data from the internet observatory NetBlocks confirmed that Tanzania imposed nationwide internet restrictions early Wednesday morning, severely disrupting mobile data services and blocking access to social media platforms. The blackout coincided with the start of voting, signaling a deliberate move to suppress the flow of information.
By evening, the government imposed a nationwide curfew, urging students and civil servants to remain indoors for the following day.
The restrictions came as images and reports of protests spread, despite the blackout, with demonstrators denouncing the exclusion of opposition parties and the continued detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently on trial for treason.
Both CHADEMA, the main opposition party, and ACT Wazalendo were barred from participating in the elections. Lissu, who had called for electoral reforms, was arrested earlier this year on what human rights groups have called trumped-up charges. His arrest, coupled with the systematic oppression and media censorship, has deepened fears of an authoritarian turn in Tanzania’s politics.
Reports from human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, describe the political climate as one of “repression, intimidation, and fear.”
Amnesty’s recent publication titled “Wave of Terror Sweeps Across Tanzania” documents cases of enforced disappearances, torture, and unfair trials, primarily targeting critics of the regime.
Opposition leaders and activists have also faced severe restrictions on their freedom of movement that have effectively prevented them from conducting normal political activities.
The crackdown has extended to religious leaders who have spoken against government abuses. In June, the regime deregistered the Ufufuo na Uzima Church, led by Bishop Dr. Josephat Gwajima, citing alleged violations of the Societies Act. The move came just days after the bishop publicly condemned abductions and enforced disappearances.
Other clergy, including Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Bishop Dickson Kabigumila, have reported threats or fled the country. Several religious figures, journalists, and political activists remain missing, with families demanding justice.
The Kenya Human Rights Network issued a statement on Thursday, condemning the ongoing violations.
“We stand here as East African citizens, mandated by the fact that Jumuiya ni yetu (the community is ours). The tragic occurrences we are witnessing in Tanzania go against the very principles that underpin the East African Community,” the statement read.
“Borders will not limit our brotherhood and sisterhood. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The group also noted that no credible international observation missions were allowed into Tanzania. Countries, including Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland withdrew their participation, while the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is also not engaging in the electoral process. The African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) sent only symbolic delegations, drawing criticism for “legitimizing repression”.
Earlier this year, a delegation from Kenya that included Boniface Mwangi of Kenya and Agather Atuhaire of Uganda, were detained and later deported from Tanzania after attempting to go to Tundu Lissu’s trial. Mwangi and Atuhaire were later assaulted and subjected to torture during their detention.
There are concerns across East Africa that the Tanzanian crisis reflects a broader pattern of shrinking democratic space across the region.
The KHRC statement concluded – “Africans are rightfully outraged that the African Union, an institution meant to defend human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, has chosen silence over principle. It increasingly resembles a club of presidents shielding each other rather than protecting the people they claim to serve.
“The same betrayal is evident in SADC and the EAC. We are coming to the defence of Tanzanians and hereby give notice to Tanzania and all authoritarian regimes in the rest of East Africa and Africa. As despots regroup to oppress citizens, we, as the citizens, are similarly regrouping to reclaim our countries and our inherent freedoms”.
As of Thursday evening, Dar es Salaam remained tense under heavy police presence, with sporadic protests continuing despite the curfew. The official election results are expected to be announced in the coming days. – People’s Despatch
Comment
HARSH LAWS FOR DRUG DEALERS
South Africa is fast becoming a drug haven for foreign countries following the recent spate of drug busts with a street value of more than R2 billion.
What is more concerning is the arrest of Mexican nationals in connection with the manufacturing of this poison that was being fed our nation, especially our youths whose future is destroyed at an early age by greedy foreigners who have infiltrated our country.
The men and women in blue, despite damning allegations of corruption against several senior police officers, must be commended for cracking down on these drug syndicates. The largest drug bust was reported in July last year when police uncovered a drug manufacturing facility in Groblersdal in Limpopo and confiscated crystal meth with a street value of R2 billion. Two Mexican nationals and two South Africans were arrested.
Last month, seven suspects, including five Mexican nationals, were arrested when police swooped on a farm in Oudehoutkloof in Volksrust in Mpumalanga where crystal meth worth R350 million was confiscated. A 39-year-old Mexican national was arrested after police uncovered a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Gauteng in November last year. Crystal meth valued at R80 million was confiscated by the police. Last week, an intelligence-driven police operation discovered 80kg of cocaine with a street value of R20 million stashed in a storage room on a plot in Blue Hills, Midrand. A 56-year-old suspect was arrested.
These drugs are a danger to society and that is the reason why in some countries, those found dealing in these substances are sentenced to death. The South African government must not allow foreigners to manufacture and sell drugs to kill our future leaders. The misuse of drugs can have dire consequences which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer and mental health conditions.
It is believed that most of these Mexican enter the country under the guise of having clinched some business deals. The number of Mexicans have now revealed that their sole purpose is to feed our nation with poison to enrich themselves. They have to be stopped. Their entry into South Africa must be scrutinized before they are allowed into the country.
Drug abuse is also a significant and widespread problem at South African schools where studies have revealed that it was linked to poor academic performance and an increased number of absenteeism and drop-outs. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults found that 45 percent of respondents had used one or more substances in the last 12 months with 92 percent starting at the age of 18.
The government must tighten the laws dealing with drugs before the country is flooded with homeless, unemployed drug addicts. Stricter laws must be introduced to deal harshly with drug dealers. Those found guilty must be regarded as murderers because they care less about the lives of other human beings.
Mexican nationals who fled their country must not be allowed to ply their deadly trade here.
Drugs are dangerous and as the saying goes : ‘’ Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven’’.
