Keypoints:
- President Samia accused of reversing reforms
- EAC under fire for failing to act
- Rights groups warn of democratic decline
AS Tanzania prepares for national elections on October 29, concerns are mounting over the state of its democracy. Once celebrated as a reformist who reopened banned newspapers and eased political restrictions, President Samia Suluhu Hassan now faces allegations of consolidating power and silencing dissent.
The woman once affectionately known as Mama wa Taifa – Mother of the Nation – is accused by critics of betraying her early reform promises. When she took office in March 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, her pledge of transparency and openness was widely welcomed. Four years later, many observers say that optimism has turned to disillusionment.
Crackdowns and detentions intensify
Opposition leaders, journalists and civil society organisations report a wave of arrests and intimidation in the run-up to the polls. Tundu Lissu, chairman of the opposition CHADEMA party, faces a treason trial that rights advocates say will test Tanzania’s democratic resolve.
Amnesty International’s latest report, Unopposed, Unchecked, Unjust, details alleged abuses including arbitrary detentions and disappearances. The government has rejected the findings as ‘unsubstantiated’, insisting that the election process will remain free and fair.
EAC silence under scrutiny
Despite its founding principles of democracy and rule of law, the East African Community (EAC) – headquartered in Arusha – has stayed notably silent. The bloc has dispatched an Election Observation Mission touting its commitment to ‘peace and stability’, but critics argue these missions have become token gestures that fail to address credible allegations of misconduct.
The arrests of Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi and Uganda’s Agather Atuhaire during Lissu’s trial in May are cited as examples of the region’s deepening repression and the EAC’s reluctance to confront member states accused of rights violations.
A regional trend of democratic decline
Tanzania’s challenges reflect a wider democratic backslide across East Africa. In 2024, Uganda’s veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted during a visit to Kenya — an incident that provoked global condemnation but minimal regional response.
While the African Union and the Southern African Development Community have both deployed observer missions, analysts argue these bodies often act as ‘rubber stamps’. The AU’s pre-election team, led by former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, recently praised Tanzania’s ‘electoral preparedness’ even as reports of repression surfaced.
Safeguarding Tanzania’s democratic future
With the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) – Africa’s oldest continuous governing party – maintaining a tight grip on power, opposition leaders allege that the elections are choreographed and predetermined. Analysts warn that East Africa risks normalising authoritarianism if regional blocs continue prioritising stability over accountability.
Despite their shortcomings, observer missions carry a moral duty to uphold democratic principles and document irregularities. Transparency, integrity and respect for fundamental freedoms are essential to safeguarding Tanzania’s political future.
As President Samia seeks her first elected term, the silence of the EAC speaks volumes. For many, it represents not just the erosion of Tanzania’s democracy but the quiet acceptance of authoritarianism spreading across East Africa.
Janet Sankale is a criminal justice scholar and human rights practitioner focusing on peace and security
