Political arrests, killings and abductions have turned out to be a concern in Tanzania, which has made several notable economic successes including surging investment. According to multiple sources including the BBC and Citizen, Ali Mohamed Kibao, a high-profile political leader of the main opposition Chadema (Party for Democracy and Progress), was abducted and killed this month in Tanzania. Additionally, many leaders of Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo —including two senior opposition leaders — were arbitrarily arrested in Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Dodoma and Rukwa, several leaders were killed and opposition political rallies and internal opposition meetings were banned. But the crackdown on opposition parties is contrary to the promise of President Samia Hassan to allow political opponents to freely operate.
It is notable that there are election-oriented, political culture-based and other reasons behind arbitrary arrests, abductions and killings of political leaders. The political interests of the ruling center-left Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in the upcoming local elections in December 2024 and national elections in October 2025, the culture of opposition suppression and civil liberties and inadequately developed culture of political tolerance are crucial causes. Tanzania experienced political suppression for years before the Samia’s government came to power in 2021. Among others, insufficiently effective checks and balances within the government and the perceived fear of possible consequences are notable. The perceived fear of the potential replication of youth protests and consequences in Kenya from the International Youth Day rally in Tanzania probably played a vital role in the crackdown.
The government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the East African country that is regarded as one of the safest and most politically stable on the continent and whose constitution guarantees the liberties of citizens and grants free speech and freedom to peacefully assemble, has taken negotiations-based and other steps to address various political concerns. The Samia government earlier ended a ban on political rallies imposed by former President John Magufuli, who lasted from 2015 until his death in 2021. Additionally, the government has made reconciliation efforts with political parties aimed at reducing political tensions and freed many politically arrested leaders in Tanzania. Among others, the government has taken steps to investigate the killing of the opposition leader.
But there are some limitations in the steps, leading to the deterioration of the political ground in Tanzania, which has never experienced a civil war or any major internal strife since its independence in 1961, over the last several months. There remains a lack of good faith between the main political parties, diminished checks and balances in government institutions, resulting from an imbalance of power between the branches of government, and a tendency to use force on political oppositions. Consequently, political situations may deteriorate and it may be difficult to reduce tensions between the ruling and opposition political parties — despite diverse optimistic steps of the Samia government.
It is desired that political arrests, killings and abductions in Tanzania be addressed. Restoring competitive politics, a culture that had been absent during the Magufuli’s presidency, is crucial in the country. The continuation of the negotiation efforts will also help address political problems and improve political tolerance. While peaceful protests are desired, the government needs to lift the ban on and allow political rallies and listen to the youth, instead of applying the tactics of force on them. Along with addressing political concerns, economic concerns also need to be addressed.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
