Coup in the offing? Tanzania sinks further into abyss as military appears sympathetic to protesters
A similar situation to what is happening in Tanzania is also currently unfolding in Cameroon where 92-yar old Paul Biya – in power since 1982 – was early this week declared winner, sparking protests that have since received the support of the military. Like President Suluhi Hassan, President Biya – who spends more than 80 per cent of his time in France – had used the courts, police and electoral commission to arbitrarily lock out opponents.
Protests in Tanzania enter day two as 10 reportedly killed, EU calls for ‘firm stand in the defence of democracy and human rights’
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi or CCM, which has been in power since independence in 1961, sought to extend its rule in Wednesday’s election, with presidential candidates from the two main opposition parties barred from running.
New violence erupts in Tanzania as voters say they transitioned from ‘cows to active citizens’, state directs civil servants to ‘work from home’
Hundreds protested on Wednesday in Tanzania’s largest city, tearing down banners of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and burning a police station, as the East African country went to the polls in elections where the main challengers have either been jailed or barred from standing.
Suluhu coronation: Rising political tension in Tanzania forces state to deploy the military to man streets and key installations
Human rights organizations have long accused Tanzania’s administration of arresting, detaining and intimidating critics and opposition members. The leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu, is in prison and faces treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while the candidate of the second-largest opposition party was barred from running.
Suluhu Hassan on the cross: Even a seemingly stable country like Tanzania risks sliding into turmoil if authorities appear aloof
Voters will choose between Samia Suluhu Hassan and 16 other contenders. Two of Hassan’s main opponents, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, are barred from seeking Tanzania’s presidency.
President Suluhu Hassan: Evolution from CCM ‘Flower Girl’ to Tanzania’s pernicious, ruthless dictator
A former vice president who rose to the presidency after the death of predecessor John Pombe Magufuli, Hassan initially gave indications that she would relax the government’s repressive tactics against opposition leaders, civic groups, journalists and others.
Fears Tanzania on cusp of Gen Z uprising after Kikwete turned President Suluhu into a ‘lapdog’ to muzzle Christians, retain Muslim hegemony
It is remembered that in 2005 as Mkapa served his last term, he was forced to deport Kikwete from New York after he went missing from the president’s delegation, only to be fished out of a Harlem brothel as Mkapa’s delegation waited for him to sign funding agreements with the World Bank and International Monetary (IMF). As is custom, such financial commitment are signed by finance and foreign affairs ministers.
Suluhu on the cross: Chronology of how Tanzania President Hassan’s critics are abducted, ‘disappeared’ or assassinated
Rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch recently accused the government of being behind arrests, abuse and forced disappearances. The authorities have denied the allegations.
Election puzzle: Tanzania President Hassan, predecessor Kikwete face strong resistance for promoting Islamic hegemony
Catholics have publicly criticised Samia’s totalitarian rule are currently fasting and praying in protest. The Catholics are also unhappy with assassination attempt of Joseph Kitima, one of their most vocal clergymen in Tanzania.
Wolf in sheepskin: Tanzania’s October General Election will test coexistence of Tanganyika and Zanzibar
Like CHADEMA, ACT has been pushing for constitutional reforms ahead of the October polls, which President Suluhu Hassan has vehemently resisted. In addition, the opposition questions the independence of the Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission, which is picked solely by the sitting president.
