Authorities in Tanzania have escalated political tensions by charging hundreds of people with treason following demonstrations over disputed elections held last month. The crackdown comes in the wake of unrest that left an unspecified number of people dead.
Beyond dozens charged in Dar es Salaam, additional individuals across the country now face similar charges, according to newly released charge sheets. The crackdown also targets high-profile figures, including Josephat Gwajima, a prominent preacher whose church was deregistered earlier this year after he openly criticised the government over human rights concerns.
Police have issued arrest warrants for several key opposition figures who remain at large, including Brenda Rupia, communications director for the Chadema party, and John Mnyika, the party’s secretary-general. Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, has already seen its leader, Tundu Lissu, jailed for months and facing treason charges after calling for electoral reforms ahead of the October 29 vote.
The sweeping legal actions underscore growing political friction in Tanzania, raising fears of further unrest as the government moves decisively against dissenting voices.
