JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 108
CNN Releases Investigative Report on Election Killings, Suggests Possible Mass Grave at Kondo Cemetery, Dar
Cable News Network (CNN) has released its investigative report regarding the killing of civilians during the general election in Tanzania, stating that the Tanzanian Police used live ammunition and excessive force against protesters during the demonstrations that took place during the election and the days that followed. Their report presents evidence in the form of photographs, videos, satellite imagery, and interviews with several individuals who described the situation at the time.
The report also claims that some doctors interviewed stated Police forbade them from treating the injured who were brought to hospitals for care; instead, they were told to take them to the mortuary and leave them there to die. Furthermore, CNN stated that videos showing bodies of protesters in the mortuaries of Sekou Toure Hospital in Mwanza and Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam are authentic.
Additionally, part of the report alleges the existence of a mass grave at Kondo Cemetery, Kunduchi, in the Dar es Salaam region, where young men told CNN they were assigned the task of digging that specific area for the burial of protesters' bodies. Although CNN could not directly verify this particular claim, satellite images showed signs of excavation in that area that were not present before the killings took place.
Public Opinion:
Many have praised CNN for the investigation, noting it further confirms to the world what the Police and the Tanzanian Government did to citizens demonstrating against an election they claimed was neither free nor fair. They also cited abductions, disappearances, harassment of opposition members and government critics, and the suppression of democracy. Other citizens believe there will be no way for the Government to deny what happened by claiming videos showing the bodies of the deceased in various places are "fake," as the Police had previously stated.
Others fear there may be efforts to hide the truth, suspecting people might be sent to Kondo cemetery to remove the bodies buried there, though they note even if that happens, it will not help.
Furthermore, others have said this report has further motivated them to participate in the demonstrations expected on Tanganyika Independence Day, December 9, saying they will "liberate the country."
Government: We Will Verify CNN Article on Civilian Killings Before Issuing Official Statement
The Government of Tanzania has stated it is continuing to analyze the article published by CNN regarding the killings that occurred during the election, and will issue a statement after the verification is complete. This is according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, who is also the Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa.
Public Opinion:
This move has been received with mixed reactions. Some citizens have expressed doubt that the Government will provide a detailed, transparent explanation of what happened. They stated that, given how past incidents were handled, they do not expect to receive answers that address the public's critical questions.
Other citizens have said they view CNN as a major media outlet with independent research capabilities, and thus trust it more in reporting on this event.
Others have ridiculed the Government's statement, saying the Government cannot investigate allegations in which it is suspected to be involved, especially after lying from the start of the protests by claiming "youths from outside the country are the ones protesting." They also say this is due to the Government's refusal to admit so far that those killed were Tanzanians protesting without pressure from external institutions or payment, but rather due to disagreement with the suppression of rights in the country and the lack of accountability in many government matters.
On the other hand, citizens have shown more trust in CNN and other foreign media to speak the truth in their reports than their own Government, which they claim has been trying to hide the truth and ignore the pain of citizens who lost their loved ones, even after it became evident that the Police were the ones who committed the killings.
Police: We Continue to Investigate Statements Indicating a Breach of Peace
The Police Force has announced that it is closely monitoring the security situation in the country and will take action against anyone who violates the law, including groups and individuals who make statements that incite hatred or breach the peace.
The Police warned that they will not hesitate to take action against any language, whether mild or harsh, that disrupts peace. The Police emphasized that statements inciting hatred and violence jeopardize efforts for reconciliation and national stability, and that if violence erupts, its effects will touch every citizen in economic, social, and security spheres.
Public Opinion:
Many have criticized the police statement, saying it targets citizens instead of the main culprits, who are religious leaders (Islamic) who made harsh statements inciting religious hatred. One of their leaders was quoted, saying they would "cut off the heads" of protesters, yet he has not been arrested or questioned. Citizens say this is oppression, as if opposition leaders or citizens criticizing the Government had made such statements, they would have been arrested immediately and charged with treason, terrorism, or incitement to break the peace. However, because those leaders appear to be on the side of the President and the Government, they are left without any action being taken against them.
Others have said they do not recognize any reconciliation efforts made by the Government until they take accountability for the killings that occurred during the election, as they are the main perpetrators.
Mwigulu: Money to Hire Youths and Hoard Them Came from Those Who Do Not Love Our Country; Esther Buses Are Not Mine
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, while on a tour in the Singida region, has urged citizens to protect peace and national solidarity. He emphasized that many who incite violence and chaos are not in the country but in other nations, and that neighboring nations are causing trouble for Tanzania because it has surpassed them in development, implying it is economic jealousy.
Additionally, he denied being the owner of the buses operating in the Northern regions—Esther—saying he does not own them and that they do not bear a name resembling his wife's, who is named "Neema". It is also not his mother's name, who is called Asha. He said those who burned the buses during the protests, thinking they were his, did so because people framed him and told lies without fear.
Public Opinion:
Many have questioned: Is it neighboring countries that are abducting and killing citizens and committing embezzlement within the country? Because these actions and other human rights violations are what pushed citizens to protest, the oppression that the Government and its organs have been subjecting civilians to for a long time!
Regarding the Esther buses, citizens have questioned why the legal owner of those buses has not spoken until now. If they are not his buses, in what capacity is he saying this? They emphasized that instead of trying to distract citizens from the debate on the killings that occurred in the country, the Government should ensure all those involved in the killings are held accountable.
Others went far, sharing detailed documents showing that “Neema Peter Thomas” is a co-owner of those buses, thereby directly linking his wife to them.
IGP Wambura: Politics and Religion Should Not Divide Tanzanians
The Inspector General of Police in Tanzania, IGP Camillius Wambura, has urged Tanzanians not to accept being divided along political, religious, or resource lines and to cooperate with the Police to ensure the country remains safe.
On November 21, while at the Tanzania Police School (TPS) in Moshi, IGP Wambura closed the initial training for 4,826 new officers, urging them not to engage in conduct that violates the country's laws, regulations, and procedures. He emphasized that protecting citizens and their property is a unique responsibility worldwide and that it requires patriotism, obedience, discipline, and courage to be executed effectively.
Public Opinion:
Many have strongly criticized the issue of abductions, killings, and disappearances. At the same time, they alleged that the Police are major suspects, which they say explains their negligence in following up on these incidents and in arresting the perpetrators. They emphasized that while politics or religion cannot divide Tanzanians, where justice and accountability are missing, there can be no peace.
Others have said that in another country, Wambura should have resigned. In contrast, an investigation against him and other leaders of the force continued due to the civilian killings committed by the force during the election under his leadership.
Furthermore, others have said the force has become one of killing civilians instead of protecting civilians, due to the election killings and the ongoing abductions happening up to this time. They argue that the only solution is to dismantle the force and ensure it is reconstructed in accordance with principles of accountability, employing youths who meet professional criteria rather than resorting to force or brutality.
Citizens Continue to Mobilize and Educate Each Other Not to Accept Division Based on Faith
On social media, citizens have continued to express their views opposing religious hatred and encouraging each other that Tanzanians, regardless of their faith, are brothers and sisters.
Joking greetings involving Christian and Islamic faiths, online 'challenges', and religious songs have been used extensively by Tanzanians of different religions to show that they are kin. They assert that no one can come and instill hatred to make them discriminate against each other because of faith or political ideology, or stop them from demanding justice and accountability in the country when the Government acts contrary to the citizens' expectations.
Cable News Network (CNN) has released its investigative report regarding the killing of civilians during the general election in Tanzania, stating that the Tanzanian Police used live ammunition and excessive force against protesters during the demonstrations that took place during the election and the days that followed. Their report presents evidence in the form of photographs, videos, satellite imagery, and interviews with several individuals who described the situation at the time.
The report also claims that some doctors interviewed stated Police forbade them from treating the injured who were brought to hospitals for care; instead, they were told to take them to the mortuary and leave them there to die. Furthermore, CNN stated that videos showing bodies of protesters in the mortuaries of Sekou Toure Hospital in Mwanza and Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam are authentic.
Additionally, part of the report alleges the existence of a mass grave at Kondo Cemetery, Kunduchi, in the Dar es Salaam region, where young men told CNN they were assigned the task of digging that specific area for the burial of protesters' bodies. Although CNN could not directly verify this particular claim, satellite images showed signs of excavation in that area that were not present before the killings took place.
Public Opinion:
Many have praised CNN for the investigation, noting it further confirms to the world what the Police and the Tanzanian Government did to citizens demonstrating against an election they claimed was neither free nor fair. They also cited abductions, disappearances, harassment of opposition members and government critics, and the suppression of democracy. Other citizens believe there will be no way for the Government to deny what happened by claiming videos showing the bodies of the deceased in various places are "fake," as the Police had previously stated.
Others fear there may be efforts to hide the truth, suspecting people might be sent to Kondo cemetery to remove the bodies buried there, though they note even if that happens, it will not help.
Furthermore, others have said this report has further motivated them to participate in the demonstrations expected on Tanganyika Independence Day, December 9, saying they will "liberate the country."
Government: We Will Verify CNN Article on Civilian Killings Before Issuing Official Statement
The Government of Tanzania has stated it is continuing to analyze the article published by CNN regarding the killings that occurred during the election, and will issue a statement after the verification is complete. This is according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, who is also the Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa.
Public Opinion:
This move has been received with mixed reactions. Some citizens have expressed doubt that the Government will provide a detailed, transparent explanation of what happened. They stated that, given how past incidents were handled, they do not expect to receive answers that address the public's critical questions.
Other citizens have said they view CNN as a major media outlet with independent research capabilities, and thus trust it more in reporting on this event.
Others have ridiculed the Government's statement, saying the Government cannot investigate allegations in which it is suspected to be involved, especially after lying from the start of the protests by claiming "youths from outside the country are the ones protesting." They also say this is due to the Government's refusal to admit so far that those killed were Tanzanians protesting without pressure from external institutions or payment, but rather due to disagreement with the suppression of rights in the country and the lack of accountability in many government matters.
On the other hand, citizens have shown more trust in CNN and other foreign media to speak the truth in their reports than their own Government, which they claim has been trying to hide the truth and ignore the pain of citizens who lost their loved ones, even after it became evident that the Police were the ones who committed the killings.
Police: We Continue to Investigate Statements Indicating a Breach of Peace
The Police Force has announced that it is closely monitoring the security situation in the country and will take action against anyone who violates the law, including groups and individuals who make statements that incite hatred or breach the peace.
The Police warned that they will not hesitate to take action against any language, whether mild or harsh, that disrupts peace. The Police emphasized that statements inciting hatred and violence jeopardize efforts for reconciliation and national stability, and that if violence erupts, its effects will touch every citizen in economic, social, and security spheres.
Public Opinion:
Many have criticized the police statement, saying it targets citizens instead of the main culprits, who are religious leaders (Islamic) who made harsh statements inciting religious hatred. One of their leaders was quoted, saying they would "cut off the heads" of protesters, yet he has not been arrested or questioned. Citizens say this is oppression, as if opposition leaders or citizens criticizing the Government had made such statements, they would have been arrested immediately and charged with treason, terrorism, or incitement to break the peace. However, because those leaders appear to be on the side of the President and the Government, they are left without any action being taken against them.
Others have said they do not recognize any reconciliation efforts made by the Government until they take accountability for the killings that occurred during the election, as they are the main perpetrators.
Mwigulu: Money to Hire Youths and Hoard Them Came from Those Who Do Not Love Our Country; Esther Buses Are Not Mine
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, while on a tour in the Singida region, has urged citizens to protect peace and national solidarity. He emphasized that many who incite violence and chaos are not in the country but in other nations, and that neighboring nations are causing trouble for Tanzania because it has surpassed them in development, implying it is economic jealousy.
Additionally, he denied being the owner of the buses operating in the Northern regions—Esther—saying he does not own them and that they do not bear a name resembling his wife's, who is named "Neema". It is also not his mother's name, who is called Asha. He said those who burned the buses during the protests, thinking they were his, did so because people framed him and told lies without fear.
Public Opinion:
Many have questioned: Is it neighboring countries that are abducting and killing citizens and committing embezzlement within the country? Because these actions and other human rights violations are what pushed citizens to protest, the oppression that the Government and its organs have been subjecting civilians to for a long time!
Regarding the Esther buses, citizens have questioned why the legal owner of those buses has not spoken until now. If they are not his buses, in what capacity is he saying this? They emphasized that instead of trying to distract citizens from the debate on the killings that occurred in the country, the Government should ensure all those involved in the killings are held accountable.
Others went far, sharing detailed documents showing that “Neema Peter Thomas” is a co-owner of those buses, thereby directly linking his wife to them.
IGP Wambura: Politics and Religion Should Not Divide Tanzanians
The Inspector General of Police in Tanzania, IGP Camillius Wambura, has urged Tanzanians not to accept being divided along political, religious, or resource lines and to cooperate with the Police to ensure the country remains safe.
On November 21, while at the Tanzania Police School (TPS) in Moshi, IGP Wambura closed the initial training for 4,826 new officers, urging them not to engage in conduct that violates the country's laws, regulations, and procedures. He emphasized that protecting citizens and their property is a unique responsibility worldwide and that it requires patriotism, obedience, discipline, and courage to be executed effectively.
Public Opinion:
Many have strongly criticized the issue of abductions, killings, and disappearances. At the same time, they alleged that the Police are major suspects, which they say explains their negligence in following up on these incidents and in arresting the perpetrators. They emphasized that while politics or religion cannot divide Tanzanians, where justice and accountability are missing, there can be no peace.
Others have said that in another country, Wambura should have resigned. In contrast, an investigation against him and other leaders of the force continued due to the civilian killings committed by the force during the election under his leadership.
Furthermore, others have said the force has become one of killing civilians instead of protecting civilians, due to the election killings and the ongoing abductions happening up to this time. They argue that the only solution is to dismantle the force and ensure it is reconstructed in accordance with principles of accountability, employing youths who meet professional criteria rather than resorting to force or brutality.
Citizens Continue to Mobilize and Educate Each Other Not to Accept Division Based on Faith
On social media, citizens have continued to express their views opposing religious hatred and encouraging each other that Tanzanians, regardless of their faith, are brothers and sisters.
Joking greetings involving Christian and Islamic faiths, online 'challenges', and religious songs have been used extensively by Tanzanians of different religions to show that they are kin. They assert that no one can come and instill hatred to make them discriminate against each other because of faith or political ideology, or stop them from demanding justice and accountability in the country when the Government acts contrary to the citizens' expectations.
