DAR ES SALAAM – The human rights organization Amnesty International has issued a stark condemnation of the Tanzanian government, accusing it of conducting an “unacceptable campaign of repression against dissent” in the lead-up to the country’s general election scheduled for October 29.
In a statement, the rights group detailed a systematic clampdown targeting the political opposition, independent media, and human rights defenders. Amnesty asserts that these actions are part of a deliberate government strategy to instill fear among the populace, suppress civic engagement, and consolidate power.
The pre-election period has been marked by significant legal and political challenges for opposition figures. Tundu Lissu, the chairman of the main opposition party CHADEMA, is currently facing trial on charges of treason. In a separate move, opposition presidential candidate Luhaga Mpina has been disqualified from the race, further narrowing the field of challengers.
Amnesty International argues that these measures are not isolated incidents but rather a coordinated effort to eliminate meaningful competition and criticism ahead of the poll. The organization contends that the environment created by the government undermines the principles of a free and fair electoral process.
“The government’s strategy is deliberate and intended to instill fear, suppress civic engagement and entrench power,” the Amnesty International statement read.
The growing international scrutiny places pressure on the Tanzanian government to ensure that the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly, and association are upheld in the critical weeks before citizens head to the polls.
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