JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
3 Top Opposition Leaders arrested in connection with inciting the October 29 protests
After the protests on October 29, the Police Force issued a statement saying it was conducting an operation to hunt down those involved, naming among them Bishop Josephat Gwajima and senior CHADEMA leaders, including Secretary-General John Mnyika.
On November 8, three CHADEMA leaders were arrested: Boniface Jacob (Boni Yai), the CHADEMA Chairman for the Coastal Zone and a Central Committee member, and Amani Golugwa, the Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), both of whom were arrested at their homes. Godbless Lema, a Central Committee member, was also arrested in the USA-River area of Arusha with his driver.
Public Opinion
Many citizens have shown increasing anger, saying the country is returning to an era of fear and oppression, questioning why the Police are arresting opposition leaders while the killers of civilians remain untouched.
Some have warned that these actions will only increase public anger rather than quell the existing state of confusion.
Heche rushed to Muhimbili Hospital after his health deteriorated
The CHADEMA Vice-Chairman (Mainland), John Heche, has been rushed to the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam after his health condition reportedly deteriorated. His family confirmed he was taken from the Mburahati Police Station, where he was being held.
On October 25, Heche was transferred from Dodoma to Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam and interrogated on allegations of terrorism, with claims that some people who protested said they were 'inspired by his statements.'
Public Opinion
Besides offering sympathy to Heche, citizens have expressed frustration with the steps being taken by the Government during this period, calling it a continuation of oppression and tactics to kill genuine opposition in the country.
Others have also said it seems like a tactic to evade accountability for the deaths that occurred during the October 29 protests. Some have expressed concern for Heche's safety, suggesting he might have been poisoned to weaken his condition.
Nchimbi: Tanzania is safe, Reconciliation talks to begin
Tanzania's Vice President, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, has emphasized that the new Government has taken firm steps to protect national unity and ensure citizens live under the rule of law.
He made this statement while representing President Samia at an Emergency Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, held virtually from Dodoma.
Dr. Nchimbi noted that one of President Samia's main commitments is to ensure that reconciliation talks are appropriately implemented, so that the Nation continues to enjoy peace and solidarity. Furthermore, he assured that Tanzania is safe and ready to continue welcoming visitors from around the world for mutual benefit.
Public Opinion
Many have expressed disbelief in the leader's statement amid ongoing actions against opponents and citizens.
Some citizens questioned: who does the Government want to reconcile with while it continues to rub salt in the wounds of citizens mourning their loved ones, and while those who committed the killings have not faced any action?
Others have continued to vow that if there is no accountability for those who killed citizens, they will hold more protests to hold all those involved accountable.
Citizens plan to hold National Protests on December 9, come with new conditions
After the October 29 protests, which were suppressed by the Police, and the General Election held without addressing citizens' demands, reports indicate that citizens are planning nationwide indefinite protests starting December 9 if President Samia's Government does not meet the 10 conditions they issued.
These conditions include the return of the bodies of those killed to be buried with dignity, holding those involved in the killings accountable, the return of the abducted, and the nullification of the election, with a transitional Government to be formed under UN supervision to allow for a New Constitution process.
Public Opinion
Many have shown support for these protests, saying this time they will be better organized to deal with any situation if the Police decide to use force again.
Preparations reportedly began early, including the setup of first-aid stations and the provision of essential supplies for the protests. Others have advised President Samia to step down and resolve this issue peacefully, as failure to do so might lead to even greater harm.
Mwabukusi criticizes the announcement of arrests of Gwajima and CHADEMA leaders; questions whether criticizing or opposing the Government is now treason?
After the Police Force released a list of people wanted following the October 29 events, including CHADEMA leaders, the President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Boniface Mwabukusi, issued a strongly worded statement against the conduct of the Police and the Government.
Mwabukusi criticized the Police for "politicizing through force, attacking justice, Unity, and the Rule of Law." He also questioned whether there are still wise elders left, as he sees that the advice given is being ignored and no one is stepping up to ensure the Government and Police listen and correct their missteps.
He stressed that attacking the true opposition party (CHADEMA) is a destruction of multi-party politics that must be opposed.
Public Opinion
Many agreed with Mwabukusi and stressed the importance of TLS suing the Government for failing to protect citizens and for abuse of power.
Others said they are doing this to divert citizens from the fundamental discussion about those who killed citizens and the demand for their accountability.
After the protests on October 29, the Police Force issued a statement saying it was conducting an operation to hunt down those involved, naming among them Bishop Josephat Gwajima and senior CHADEMA leaders, including Secretary-General John Mnyika.
On November 8, three CHADEMA leaders were arrested: Boniface Jacob (Boni Yai), the CHADEMA Chairman for the Coastal Zone and a Central Committee member, and Amani Golugwa, the Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), both of whom were arrested at their homes. Godbless Lema, a Central Committee member, was also arrested in the USA-River area of Arusha with his driver.
Public Opinion
Many citizens have shown increasing anger, saying the country is returning to an era of fear and oppression, questioning why the Police are arresting opposition leaders while the killers of civilians remain untouched.
Some have warned that these actions will only increase public anger rather than quell the existing state of confusion.
Heche rushed to Muhimbili Hospital after his health deteriorated
The CHADEMA Vice-Chairman (Mainland), John Heche, has been rushed to the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam after his health condition reportedly deteriorated. His family confirmed he was taken from the Mburahati Police Station, where he was being held.
On October 25, Heche was transferred from Dodoma to Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam and interrogated on allegations of terrorism, with claims that some people who protested said they were 'inspired by his statements.'
Public Opinion
Besides offering sympathy to Heche, citizens have expressed frustration with the steps being taken by the Government during this period, calling it a continuation of oppression and tactics to kill genuine opposition in the country.
Others have also said it seems like a tactic to evade accountability for the deaths that occurred during the October 29 protests. Some have expressed concern for Heche's safety, suggesting he might have been poisoned to weaken his condition.
Nchimbi: Tanzania is safe, Reconciliation talks to begin
Tanzania's Vice President, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, has emphasized that the new Government has taken firm steps to protect national unity and ensure citizens live under the rule of law.
He made this statement while representing President Samia at an Emergency Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, held virtually from Dodoma.
Dr. Nchimbi noted that one of President Samia's main commitments is to ensure that reconciliation talks are appropriately implemented, so that the Nation continues to enjoy peace and solidarity. Furthermore, he assured that Tanzania is safe and ready to continue welcoming visitors from around the world for mutual benefit.
Public Opinion
Many have expressed disbelief in the leader's statement amid ongoing actions against opponents and citizens.
Some citizens questioned: who does the Government want to reconcile with while it continues to rub salt in the wounds of citizens mourning their loved ones, and while those who committed the killings have not faced any action?
Others have continued to vow that if there is no accountability for those who killed citizens, they will hold more protests to hold all those involved accountable.
Citizens plan to hold National Protests on December 9, come with new conditions
After the October 29 protests, which were suppressed by the Police, and the General Election held without addressing citizens' demands, reports indicate that citizens are planning nationwide indefinite protests starting December 9 if President Samia's Government does not meet the 10 conditions they issued.
These conditions include the return of the bodies of those killed to be buried with dignity, holding those involved in the killings accountable, the return of the abducted, and the nullification of the election, with a transitional Government to be formed under UN supervision to allow for a New Constitution process.
Public Opinion
Many have shown support for these protests, saying this time they will be better organized to deal with any situation if the Police decide to use force again.
Preparations reportedly began early, including the setup of first-aid stations and the provision of essential supplies for the protests. Others have advised President Samia to step down and resolve this issue peacefully, as failure to do so might lead to even greater harm.
Mwabukusi criticizes the announcement of arrests of Gwajima and CHADEMA leaders; questions whether criticizing or opposing the Government is now treason?
After the Police Force released a list of people wanted following the October 29 events, including CHADEMA leaders, the President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Boniface Mwabukusi, issued a strongly worded statement against the conduct of the Police and the Government.
Mwabukusi criticized the Police for "politicizing through force, attacking justice, Unity, and the Rule of Law." He also questioned whether there are still wise elders left, as he sees that the advice given is being ignored and no one is stepping up to ensure the Government and Police listen and correct their missteps.
He stressed that attacking the true opposition party (CHADEMA) is a destruction of multi-party politics that must be opposed.
Public Opinion
Many agreed with Mwabukusi and stressed the importance of TLS suing the Government for failing to protect citizens and for abuse of power.
Others said they are doing this to divert citizens from the fundamental discussion about those who killed citizens and the demand for their accountability.
