The United Nations has urged an investigation into the alleged killing of hundreds of people during protests that erupted after last month’s disputed elections in Tanzania.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned of “an apparent attempt to conceal evidence” of the deaths, citing reports that security forces were moving bodies from mortuaries to undisclosed locations. He called on authorities to release the bodies to families for proper funerals, describing accounts of relatives desperately searching across police stations and hospitals as “harrowing.”
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, claims about 2,000 people were killed over three days of unrest following the October 29 election. The government has not released an official death toll. The UN said “hundreds” may have died but could not independently verify the numbers due to ongoing security concerns and a six-day internet shutdown after the vote.
The Catholic Church in Tanzania has condemned the killings, warning that peace cannot be achieved without justice.
Authorities have charged hundreds of individuals with treason in connection with the demonstrations. Among those targeted are prominent opposition figures and public personalities, including preacher Josephat Gwajima, whose church was deregistered earlier this year after he criticised the government. Arrest warrants have also been issued for top opposition leaders who remain at large.
Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, jailed for several months, continues to face treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms prior to the elections.
