Tanzanian security authorities have detained another top figure from the main opposition party, CHADEMA, as political tensions continue to intensify following last week’s disputed national elections.
Party officials confirmed that Amani Golugwa — CHADEMA’s deputy secretary-general — was taken into custody on Saturday. He has now been named among at least ten individuals wanted by police, who say they are pursuing those allegedly responsible for the outbreak of coordinated violence in multiple regions after election results were announced.
The arrest is the latest development in a fast-escalating crackdown. Earlier this week, prosecutors charged approximately 145 people with treason — one of the most serious criminal offences under Tanzanian law — in relation to the chaos that followed the vote.
CHADEMA and several human rights organisations, however, have strongly rejected the government narrative. They allege that security forces responded with excessive force, leading to mass deaths. The party claims that more than 1,000 civilians may have been killed during the unrest — a figure officials in Dodoma have firmly dismissed as a “gross exaggeration.” The government has still not released any verified casualty figures, fuelling further public concern and uncertainty.
The political tensions stem largely from the electoral commission’s announcement that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had secured re-election with almost 98% of votes — a result international observers described as implausibly high in a competitive multi-party environment. The African Union’s observer mission has already raised red flags, including alleged ballot-box stuffing, constrained campaigning and lack of transparency in vote tallying. Tanzanian authorities insist the election process was free, lawful, and professionally managed.
CHADEMA believes the violence erupted partly because key opposition candidates — including party leader Tundu Lissu and another major opposition contender — were blocked from appearing on the ballot. The party has accused the state of intimidation, forced confessions, and politically-motivated prosecutions designed to cripple the opposition leadership.
Police say a nationwide operation remains under way to trace other key figures, including CHADEMA secretary-general John Mnyika and the party’s communications chief Brenda Rupia. They allege that the opposition “coordinated and financed” the destruction of property during the protests. Demonstrations were reported in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya and several other regions from October 29 onward. Authorities claim public offices, bank ATMs and private infrastructure were vandalised — but have not provided a clear breakdown of the extent of the damage or any information on casualties.
Diplomatic missions in Dar es Salaam are monitoring the situation closely. Analysts warn that the unfolding crackdown could deepen political polarization and undermine Tanzania’s democratic reputation across East Africa — especially if the government continues to withhold independent data on deaths, arrests, and the scale of alleged electoral malpractice.
Ghana Police Investigate Death of Teen Footballer Allegedly Sexually Abused by His Coach
Source:Africa Publicity
