Tanzanian Families Demand Justice and Medical Aid One Year After Election Violence

Families affected by election-related violence in Tanzania that left at least 500 people dead are demanding justice and financial assistance for the injured one year after the disputed vote.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured re-election with 98% of the vote on October 29, 2025, amid unrest that a government-appointed commission later recorded as causing 518 unnatural deaths.

The anniversary arrives as international pressure mounts on the East African nation over ongoing crackdowns on political opposition, media organizations, and dissenting voices.

Rights organization Amnesty International accused the government of weaponizing counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instill fear.

"Not a single official has been criminally investigated, let alone prosecuted and punished for the excessive force that Tanzanian security forces used against protesters," said Tigere Chagutah, the group's regional director for East and southern Africa.

Tanzanian authorities have consistently denied widespread abuse allegations, while President Samia maintained the election was transparent and blamed foreigners for instigating the unrest.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains on trial for treason after being barred from challenging the president.

Lissu recently staged a brief hunger strike over restricted legal access, but his lawyer confirmed he resumed eating after securing a meeting.

Surviving family members report severe financial ruin following the loss of primary breadwinners during the clashes.

"I lost my husband, upon whom we, a family with five children, depended," said Mwajuma Hamisi, whose husband George Kisivani was fatally shot in Arusha.

Injured citizens also report struggling with mounting medical debt from emergency treatments and subsequent operations.

"We can no longer afford to pay hospital bills," said Meshack Sane, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the protests.

Sane stated that he has undergone more than 5 major operations but lacks the funds required for necessary follow-up surgeries.

"The government should look into the situation of those of us who have suffered these tragedies, so that we can receive medical treatment, as some of us are still very sick," Sane said.

Amnesty International also criticized authorities for failing to make the full commission of inquiry report public.

A verdict in the treason trial of opposition leader Lissu is scheduled for next week.