Tanzania in Turmoil: ‘Tiananmen Square Moment’
Dar-esalaam, Tanzania
Following Tanzania’s controversial election (which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with ~98%), reports indicate a brutal crackdown on protesters, with allegations that hundreds of people were shot by security forces.
Activists are calling this a “Tiananmen Square moment” for Tanzania — drawing parallels to historic mass killings.
There are reports of missing persons, coercion of families to misreport deaths, and heavy state repression.
The international community is raising concerns: calls for investigations into the crackdown are coming from African Union members, US lawmakers, and European states.
Why it matters:
If these reports are accurate, Tanzania’s stability could be seriously undermined; it’s a major economy in East Africa.
Could lead to a deterioration of international relations, affecting aid, investment, and regional cooperation.
Raises alarm about democratic backsliding: what does it mean when a landslide “win” comes with alleged mass violence?
