CNN probe exposes deadly TZ poll deaths

In the weeks following Tanzania’s presidential election, violence erupted during protests, according to a CNN investigation.

The investigation, which analysed geolocated videos, audio evidence, and witness accounts, documented the scale of unrest after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98 per cent of the votes on October 29.

Some of her main rivals were barred from running, a decision that triggered demonstrations in multiple areas of the country.

CNN verified videos showing crowded morgues, which aligned with witness accounts describing casualties during the unrest.

According to CNN, satellite images and videos also show recently disturbed soil at Kondo cemetery, north of Dar es Salaam, where human rights groups and witnesses say some bodies of protesters may have been buried.

Authorities imposed a curfew and an internet blackout in the days following the election. When connectivity was partially restored, police reportedly restricted the sharing of photos and videos deemed to cause panic.

Government officials initially denied that any protesters had been killed.

Last week, President Suluhu acknowledged some casualties but did not provide figures and launched a commission to investigate the unrest, while also suggesting that some protesters may have been paid.

CNN reported that the Tanzanian government and police did not respond to requests for comment.

The United Nations Human Rights Office, citing multiple sources, indicated that hundreds of protesters and civilians may have been killed, with an unknown number injured or detained.

CNN, in collaboration with open-source investigators, reviewed videos and images showing victims and overcrowded morgues at Sekou-Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Mwanza and Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

In Mwanza, photos show at least 10 bodies on a stretcher outside the hospital. A doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, described treating gunshot victims over four days and said bodies were brought to the morgue until it reached capacity.

“All had sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of the body, including the head, abdomen, chest, and limbs,” the doctor said.

In Dar es Salaam, video footage verified by CNN shows multiple bodies on the floor at Mwananyamala Hospital. The Ministry of Health denied the authenticity of the footage.

A woman who requested anonymity said she recognised her brother among the deceased, who she said was killed during protests near his home.

Demonstrations began shortly after polling on October 29 and continued for several days in some areas. In Arusha, video verified by CNN appears to show a pregnant woman and a young man being shot. Witnesses said the woman was three months pregnant. Audio analysis by a forensic expert estimated the shots occurred from some distance.

Drone footage also shows demonstrators fleeing as armed men reportedly fired in civilian areas. Some footage shows men in civilian clothing operating alongside uniformed police in Ubungo.

Opposition party officials allege that bodies were disposed of at undisclosed locations, though these claims have not been independently verified.

Satellite imagery from November 2 to 15 shows disturbed soil at Kondo cemetery in Kunduchi, north of Dar es Salaam. Video filmed on the ground shows overturned sandy soil with exposed roots and pieces of fabric, which may indicate recent burials, according to witnesses.