Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the Tanzanian government on Thursday to open an independent investigation into the alleged killings, disappearances, and repression carried out by security forces after the country’s disputed October 29 election , warning that “serious violations” of rights may amount to crimes.

Tensions had been building before the vote. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on treason charges in April, and his party, Chadema, was effectively sidelined from campaigning. Another candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was barred from running . Human rights organizations said that the government used these legal and administrative moves to stifle dissent.

On election day, the government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown , and large-scale protests broke out in Da

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