Tanzania’s President Defends Brutal Crackdown on Election Protests
Tanzanian President Samia Hassan Suluhu defended the police’s use of force during election protests in October, claiming protesters intended to overthrow the government. She asserted the government deployed necessary force to quell what she characterized as violent acts, not mere protests. Furthermore, President Hassan criticized international bodies, including the European Union, for condemning the violence, accusing them of colonialist attitudes. The October election was marred by an internet shutdown, opposition candidate disqualifications, and a brutal crackdown on protesters, with numerous fatalities reported and condemned by international observers.
John Q. Hosedrinker