Suluhu Reaches Out to Ruto and Museveni as Tanzania Descends into Violence
Tanzania is in chaos after the October 29 general election with President Samia Suluhu reaching out to her neighbours as tensions mount across the country.
According to Africa Intelligence, Suluhu spoke to Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on the evening of October 30. The talks are believed to have focused on the crisis that is threatening to destabilise one of East Africa’s biggest economies.
Details of the conversations are unclear but regional observers say Suluhu may be seeking support from fellow East African Community leaders as the pressure mounts at home. Western embassies have been left in the dark about her next move with no contact from Tanzanian officials since the violence started.
Protests have been sweeping across major towns since Wednesday with police clashing with demonstrators demanding transparency and justice. Witnesses in Mwanza reported gunfire while Dodoma and Dar es Salaam are tense with heavy security and roadblocks.
The unrest follows the disqualification of a key opposition candidate and the imprisonment of main opposition leader Tundu Lissu – developments that critics say tilted the contest in Suluhu’s favour. Protesters accuse the government of eroding democracy and silencing dissent.
Local reports say “tens” of people have died while opposition leaders claim the death toll could be over 700. The United Nations human rights office has expressed deep concern.
“We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have occurred in the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. We have received reports that at least 10 people have been killed,” said UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango in a statement from Geneva. He urged security forces to avoid excessive or lethal force.
The violence has also spilled into border regions. In Namanga, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, several Kenyans were caught in the clashes despite warnings from Nairobi to stay away from the protests.
Meanwhile a communications blackout on election day has hindered the flow of information with many citizens unable to report incidents or contact relatives. Local and foreign journalists have reported intimidation, arbitrary arrests and censorship.
Among those detained is Kenyan journalist Shoka Juma of Nyota TV who was arrested near the Lunga Lunga border while monitoring civilian movements.
The Tanzanian government has not issued a statement on the escalating unrest or confirmed the president’s reported talks with Ruto and Museveni.
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Suluhu Reaches Out to Ruto and Museveni as Tanzania Descends into Violence