The United Nations Human Rights Office said on Tuesday that it believes hundreds of people were killed during protests in Tanzania following last month’s elections, citing reports that security forces may have removed bodies to hide evidence.
Tanzania plunged into its most severe political crisis in decades after the October 29 vote, with the main opposition party CHADEMA and human rights activists claiming that more than 1,000 people were killed during the unrest. The government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called these figures exaggerated and has not released an official death toll.
Hassan, who was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote, faced no major challengers, as her two main opponents had been disqualified from the race. In the days following the elections, the UN reported limited verification of casualties due to an internet shutdown and volatile security conditions.
In a statement, the UN Human Rights Office said: “Information obtained from different sources in Tanzania suggests hundreds of protesters and others were killed, with an unknown number injured or detained.” UN human rights chief Volker Turk noted reports that bodies were allegedly removed from streets and hospitals, possibly in an attempt to conceal evidence.
The Tanzanian government maintains that security forces acted to contain violence from criminal elements and denies using excessive force.
Following the protests, over 300 people have been charged in connection to the unrest, including at least 145 with treason. Four senior opposition leaders, including CHADEMA’s vice chairman, were released on bail on Monday. CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, whose exclusion from the presidential ballot triggered major unrest, was charged with treason in April.
Opposition figures have accused the government of widespread suppression of dissent, including arbitrary arrests. African Union observers said last week that the election did not meet democratic standards. Hassan has defended the fairness of the vote and rejected criticism of her human rights record, although investigations into alleged abductions last year have yet to be published.
