Tanzania has been thrown into turmoil following the reported massacre of hundreds of young protesters during the country’s recent election, sparking fear and outrage among citizens and political leaders alike.
According to multiple sources who spoke to AFP, a small circle of hardline loyalists close to the president has now consolidated power in the aftermath of the bloodshed.
However, widespread fear and intimidation have silenced most members of the ruling elite, leaving few willing to speak publicly against the unfolding crisis.
The protests, largely driven by young Tanzanians who accused the government of rigging the vote, were met with a brutal crackdown by security forces.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and violence in several cities, with reports of live ammunition being used against unarmed demonstrators.
“It’s horrifying. People are disappearing, and no one dares to question the authorities,” one senior political figure told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“The entire system is now controlled by a small group that answers only to the president.”Human rights groups have condemned the killings and called for an independent international investigation, warning that the country is slipping into authoritarian rule.
Despite the growing international outrage, Tanzanian officials have dismissed reports of mass casualties as
“false and exaggerated,” insisting that the election was peaceful and legitimate.However, analysts say the latest developments mark a dangerous shift in Tanzania’s political landscape, with dissent being crushed and democratic institutions severely weakened.
“The fear is real,” said one observer.
“What we’re seeing is not just a post-election crisis — it’s the rise of a regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and everyone else is too terrified to resist.”