Amnesty International has issued a stern warning about the escalating suppression of dissent in Tanzania as the country nears its general elections. A recent report from the rights group claims that the Tanzanian government has ramped up efforts to instill fear among opposition members, journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders, aiming to cement its power through intimidation and repression.

According to individuals close to the political opposition, the environment has grown increasingly hostile. One politician expressed to Human Rights Watch their growing concern for personal safety and freedom of speech, stating, "I don’t feel safe being a politician in Tanzania. I don’t feel free to criticize the government...we find ourselves under constant attack by the police.”

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration for perpetuating a climate of fear rather than initiating hoped-for reforms. "Under her watch, repressive practices have not only continued but intensified, targeting key voices through assaults, arbitrary arrests, and even enforced disappearances, with no accountability," Chagutah noted.

The Tanganyika Law Society has further highlighted the ominous trend of disappearances, reporting that nearly 83 individuals had vanished under mysterious circumstances by August 2024. This underscores allegations of a broader strategy to use the criminal justice system and legal frameworks to undermine opposition efforts and restrict fundamental freedoms.

President Hassan, who took office on March 19, 2021, initially signaled a move towards a more inclusive political stance. However, despite early signs of reform, criticisms have mounted against her government for tightening its grip on power as the October 29 election date approaches.

In their 2020 report titled “Lawfare: Repression by Law ahead of Tanzania’s General Elections,” Amnesty International had already urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold human rights during the election cycle. Yet, the situation appears to have deteriorated further over the past five years, prompting the organization to once again call for an end to the government's campaign against dissent.

As the election looms, the international community watches closely, hoping for signs of change and a recommitment to democratic principles in Tanzania.