A damning report published this Friday, December 19, by Amnesty International exposes the extreme violence of the post-election repression in Tanzania (October-November). The NGO documents massive human rights violations, pointing to the deliberate use of lethal force by security forces.

The human toll is still uncertain but heavy.

Although no official count has been released by the government, Amnesty International estimates that hundreds of people have been killed or injured. The report describes scenes of rare brutality:

1. Live ammunition was used: Protesters were targeted in the head, chest and abdomen, suggesting a clear intent to kill.
2. Disproportionate use of force: Tear gas was deployed into residential areas and private homes.
3. Collateral victims: Passersby, not participating in the gatherings, were also killed by gunfire.

Overflowing morgues and horrific accounts

The investigation is based on the analysis of authenticated videos and 35 interviews, notably with healthcare workers in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. The testimonies gathered are chilling:

"I had never seen anything like it. Crows were devouring the flesh of the corpses," reports a caregiver, as bodies piled up outside the overflowing morgues.

At the Mwananyamala morgue in Dar es Salaam, the NGO was able to confirm the presence of at least 70 bodies through video analysis. Even more disturbingly, some families report that the authorities removed the bodies, denying them burials and forcing them to bury personal belongings as a final farewell.

A political response deemed insufficient

In response to these revelations, the Tanzanian president announced the creation of a commission of inquiry on November 14th. However, this initiative is struggling to gain traction.

1. Civil society denounces a lack of independence of this commission.
2. Amnesty International calls for truly impartial and transparent investigations.
3. The authorities remained silent in the face of the organization's direct requests.

Agnès Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, condemned a "shocking disregard for the right to life", describing these acts as unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law.