Published: 12 hours ago

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has described the deadly post-election violence in Tanzania as deeply disturbing and warned that such unrest must be avoided at all costs, urging reconciliation and dialogue among political players.

Speaking after attending the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leader who was sworn in for a second term, Chiwenga refrained from openly criticising the election but emphasised the need for calm and unity.

"What has happened in Tanzania is quite disturbing and something that has got to be avoided at all costs," Chiwenga said. "I believe Tanzania has come of age and is the mother of all liberation movements. When we fought for our independence, we were all based in Tanzania, so to us it is something we would not want to see. I am quite convinced that they will be able to sit down, iron out their differences and move forward."

According to Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, more than 800 people were killed in a heavy-handed state crackdown that followed the disputed polls. Security forces reportedly used brutal force to secure Hassan's victory amid growing public discontent.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had barred CHADEMA from contesting after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct earlier this year. On election day, authorities shut down the internet, halted public transport, and arrested tens of thousands of people. Despite widespread intimidation, the government claimed an 87% voter turnout, although regional observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said the election "fell short" of the bloc's democratic standards.

Images circulating online showed victims with severe injuries, including open wounds and bruises, while others were reported dead. Schools were closed and prices of basic commodities surged as internet access was only restored on Monday afternoon, days after the vote.

President Hassan, whose government has faced growing criticism for shrinking democratic space, was declared the winner with 97.66% of the vote - a result analysts compared to Zimbabwe's 2008 presidential run-off, when late President Robert Mugabe retained power after widespread violence forced opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to withdraw.

Hassan has been accused of suppressing opposition activity, with her rival Tundu Lissu facing treason charges and opposition rallies banned nationwide.

Her inauguration this time was markedly subdued, held inside military barracks under tight security, with the public barred from attending - a sharp contrast to her previous ceremonies, which drew thousands.

Chiwenga's comments came a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Hassan on her re-election, describing her as a "visionary leader" whose victory reflected "the trust and confidence of the Tanzanian people."

However, analysts say the violent backdrop to Hassan's triumph has cast a long shadow over the country's democratic image and raised fears of deepening repression in one of Africa's historically stable nations.
- NewZimbabwe

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