THE Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) has called on regional blocs to send an independent fact-finding mission to Tanzania following that country’s disputed elections to mediate the crisis.
Tanzania was plunged into post-election chaos after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97,66% of the vote.
In a statement, CiZC said the poll “fell far short of regional and international standards of credibility, freeness and fairness”.
It accused the government of creating a “climate of fear, repression and systematic exclusion of opposition candidates”.
Citing reports from human rights groups, the coalition said more than 800 civilians had been killed since election day, with over 200 enforced disappearances recorded since 2019.
The group further urged the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union to send an independent fact-finding mission.
“The EAC, under President William Ruto (Kenya), must lead a credible mediation process,” CiZC said.
“Sadc must invoke its democratic instruments to ensure accountability and prevent the crisis from escalating into a regional threat.”
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It welcomed the Sadc observer mission’s report, which found that voters in several areas were unable to exercise their rights freely.
“This situation not only violates democratic norms but also risks destabilising Tanzania and the region,” CiZC warned.
“This election has stripped Tanzanians of a genuine choice.”
The coalition also condemned Article 41(7) of Tanzania’s Constitution, which prevents courts from challenging presidential results.
It called on the Tanzanian government to “end all forms of violence and repression”, release political prisoners, lift internet blackout and begin “a genuine, inclusive national dialogue”.
CiZC director Blessing Vava was detained and deported from Tanzania on the eve of the elections after immigration authorities labelled him a “security risk”.
Vava arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport on a “solidarity mission” to engage with local civil society groups and social movements.
He was subjected to hours of interrogation before being informed he was “not welcome” in Tanzania.
