Key facts
- At least 500 people died during election-related violence in Tanzania a year ago.
- Amnesty International accused Tanzanian security forces of human rights violations with impunity.
- A government inquiry officially recorded 518 deaths from 'unnatural causes' during the unrest.
- No officials have been prosecuted for the excessive force used against protesters.
- Victims' families are seeking government assistance for medical treatment and acknowledgment of their suffering.
Families affected by election-related violence in Tanzania, which led to the deaths of at least 500 people a year ago, are demanding justice and assistance with medical expenses. On the anniversary of the election, rights group Amnesty International accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government of "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear." The opposition had dismissed the election result as a "mockery" of democracy. A government-commissioned inquiry officially recorded 518 deaths from "unnatural causes" during the unrest, but Amnesty has criticised the lack of transparency and the fact that no officials have been prosecuted for the excessive force used by security forces against protesters. The authorities have repeatedly denied accusations of widespread abuses.