CIVICUS speaks about the political context ahead of Tanzania’s October general election with a civil society activist who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan promised reconciliation and renewal on taking office in 2021. But after some initial positive moves, she’s gone on to systematically dismantle democracy behind a reformist facade. Hassan has silenced political opposition through mass arrests, enforced disappearances and torture. The sexual assault of Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire in May epitomised the state’s escalating brutality. Ahead of the election, the government has barred the main opposition party and charged its leader with treason, potentially carrying the death penalty. Urgent international action is needed to prevent further authoritarian consolidation.