Opposition groups and human rights organisations estimate that hundreds to over a thousand
civilians were killed during the crackdown. Police forces, along with unidentified armed men,
reportedly targeted anyone involved in protests, critics of the regime and ordinary ciƟzens in
their homes, from political leaders to ordinary citizens.
Official government statements deny large-scale killings, calling reports “grossly exaggerated,”
but overwhelming evidence of videos, eyewitness testimonies, and independent
investigations paints a harrowing picture of a systematic killing campaign carried out by President Samia Suluhu to stay in power.
The ICC Question: Will Justice Follow?
Opposition parties, activists, and legal experts have filed cases urging the International
Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate potential crimes against humanity. But will the ICC act?
For intervention, the ICC must determine that Tanzania is unwilling or unable to prosecute
these crimes. The government maintains that its actions were “lawful and necessary,” yet
mounting evidence points to planned, state-sanctioned violence targeƟng unarmed civilians
The stakes are immense. If the ICC fails to act, it risks signalling that leaders can commit
atrocities with impunity. Conversely, an ICC investigation could mark a historic step toward
accountability and jusƟce for victims.
