Tanzania is in pursuit of apprehending senior opposition figures it holds responsible for the violent demonstrations that erupted across the nation following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, and certain human rights advocates claim that over 1,000 individuals were killed by security forces. The government, however, has refuted these figures as exaggerated and has not disclosed its own casualty count.
Police have identified 10 individuals wanted in connection with the unrest and have charged 145 individuals with treason. A police spokesperson stated that a rigorous manhunt, in collaboration with other defense and security agencies, is ongoing to locate all those involved in planning, coordinating, and carrying out the disturbances.
Among those sought for arrest are Chadema’s secretary general, John Mnyika, deputy Amaan Golugwa, and head of communications, Brenda Rupia. Neither Chadema nor the mentioned officials were immediately reachable for comments on the police statement.
The protests were largely triggered by the exclusion of Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, and another prominent opposition candidate from the ballot. The incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner by the electoral commission with close to 98% of the vote and was inaugurated on Monday.
African Union observers criticized the credibility of the election, citing instances of ballot box tampering. Despite this, the government has defended the fairness of the election. Violent demonstrations erupted in various cities and regions, causing injuries and damage to both public and private property, including bank ATMs and government facilities.
Image Caption: Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her swearing-in ceremony in the capital city of Dodoma.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/tanzania-police-opposition-arrests-9.6972178)