A prominent international journalist has spoken out strongly in defence of his investigation into Tanzania’s post-election unrest, affirming that the reporting was grounded in verified facts and courageous eyewitness testimony. Responding to online criticism, he maintained that no details of the investigation have been disproven.
Verification and Credibility
In a public statement, the journalist emphasized that many Tanzanians shared their experiences at significant personal risk. He noted that his team relied exclusively on information that could be independently verified, including multiple forms of evidence, and underscored that attempts to discredit the investigation had failed to identify any inaccuracies.
Documenting Post-Election Events
The documentary focused on the aftermath of Tanzania’s 29 October election, which declared the incumbent president the winner by an overwhelming majority. Opposition groups rejected the results, citing alleged irregularities, suppression, and blocked access to polling centres. Protests erupted across regions including Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Eyewitness accounts, video analysis, satellite imagery, and interviews with over 100 people were used to document the events. The report highlighted confrontations between security forces and demonstrators, indicating that multiple civilians lost their lives. Hospitals and mortuaries struggled to cope with the influx, underscoring the scale of the unrest.
Concerns About Casualty Numbers
The investigation raised concerns about potential attempts to obscure the true number of casualties. While mass burial sites could not be independently verified, satellite images showed areas of disturbed soil consistent with eyewitness timelines. Opposition figures suggested that deaths could number in the thousands, although government officials dismissed these claims as exaggerated.
Government Response and Public Support
Authorities announced a review of the documentary’s claims, with an official response pending. The journalist confirmed that the government had been given a chance to comment before publication but did not respond.
Following the report’s release, Tanzanians online expressed widespread solidarity. Thousands changed their social media profile pictures to the journalist’s image, turning it into a viral symbol of support. Messages lauded the bravery of those who spoke out and highlighted the importance of independent journalism, marking a rare moment of nationwide digital unity.
