Overview of the Charges
On Friday, November 7, a total of 98 individuals were arraigned in Dar es Salaam on charges of treason related to violent demonstrations that occurred during Tanzania’s general election on October 29. The suspects, all under the age of 30, face three counts of treason, conspiracy to commit treason, and the destruction of various infrastructure across the city for three consecutive days starting on election day.
Key Accused Individuals
One of the accused, businesswoman Jenipher Jovin Bilikwija, is also charged with leading mobilization efforts for citizens to participate in the protests for several months before the election, beginning in August. Bilikwija, 26, who is popularly known as Niffer, is alleged to have encouraged the public to purchase tear gas and smoke-blocking masks from her shop in Sinza, Dar es Salaam, to enable their participation in the demonstrations.
According to Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania’s Penal Code, treason is a non-bailable offense that carries an automatic death penalty upon conviction.
Impact of the Protests
The demonstrations, which started in Dar es Salaam and spread to Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Dodoma as well as areas in other regions, caused extensive damage to public and private property, including fuel stations, police stations, public offices — including those of the ruling CCM party — commuter buses, and shops.
State security forces retaliated in a brutal manner, shooting protesters, innocent bystanders, and passers-by indiscriminately. It is estimated that the total number of casualties exceeded thousands, with the death toll running into the hundreds.
An official report has yet to be released assessing the precise extent of the damage caused by the protests, which were unprecedented in Tanzania’s election history since the country gained independence in 1961.
Government Response
Meanwhile, the government has issued a Most Wanted notice for US-based social media influencer Mange Kimambi, a known critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, whom it believes instigated the protests through provocative social media messaging.
Attorney General Hamza Johari, speaking after President Samia reappointed him in her first official move after being sworn in on Monday, said catching Kimambi, whose outspoken anti-Samia stance has made her a household name in Tanzania over the years, would now become one of his office’s top priorities.
“She has been openly drumming up local support for the demonstrations that we witnessed, aimed at disrupting the election, and now she’s celebrating the impact of her efforts and even laughing at us from afar on her Instagram platform,” Johari asserted.
“This is totally unacceptable… we will get her by hook or crook, using all means at our disposal, including seeking help from the US government to extradite her back to Tanzania,” he added.
Ongoing Developments
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to investigate the events surrounding the protests. The legal proceedings against the accused are expected to take time, given the severity of the charges and the potential consequences for those found guilty.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violence, there is a growing call for transparency and accountability from both the government and the security forces involved. The international community is also watching closely, as the events in Tanzania could have broader implications for regional stability and democratic processes.