Tanzanian authorities have arrested Amani Golugwa, deputy secretary general of the main opposition party, Chadema, as part of a widening crackdown following deadly protests over disputed elections last week.

Police confirmed Golugwa’s detention on Saturday and announced a search for nine additional individuals, including other members of the party's leadership.

According to Chadema and human rights organizations, more than 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations. The government dismissed the toll as exaggerated but did not provide its own figures.

The protests erupted on October 29 in cities across Tanzania following the announcement of election results. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces turned violent, prompting widespread concern from rights groups.

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Treason charges and opposition exclusion spark unrest

Over 200 people have been charged with treason, a charge that carries the death penalty under Tanzanian law, though the country has not carried out executions since 1995.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 98% of the vote. However, the opposition was barred from participating, and observers reported widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing and the exclusion of key candidates.

Tundu Lissu, the leader of Chadema, was among those barred from contesting and was previously charged with treason in April. His disqualification and that of other prominent figures helped fuel the mass protests.

Amnesty: arbitrary arrests and internet shutdown

Amnesty International reported that in the lead-up to the vote, authorities engaged in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests. The organization also condemned the government's decision to cut off internet access during the protests.

Prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin was arrested and accused of encouraging demonstrators to purchase gas masks, allegedly to prepare for clashes with police.

President Suluhu acknowledged that there had been deaths during the protests but blamed the unrest on foreign influence, stating: “It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries.”

Despite the turmoil, Suluhu was officially sworn in on Monday at a closed-door ceremony held at a military parade ground in the capital. The event was broadcast on national television but was not open to the public.

Suluhu, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, was initially praised for softening political restrictions. However, critics now accuse her of backsliding into authoritarian practices.