Tanzania is facing severe international criticism after a damning CNN investigation alleged state-sanctioned violence, fatal shootings, and the concealment of bodies in mass graves following the disputed October 29 elections. The revelations surfaced just before Tanzania abruptly cancelled its Independence Day celebrations, fueling speculation about the crisis.

• The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats (SFRCdems) called the findings “disturbing” and demanded an immediate independent investigation into alleged gross human rights violations.
• CNN’s investigation, led by Larry Madowo, documented the use of deadly force against protesters, with a pregnant woman reportedly shot and killed.
• Morgues were overwhelmed, and authorities are accused of secretly dumping bodies into mass graves, a claim supported by satellite images and an opposition estimate of at least 2,000 people killed.
• Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba cancelled December 9 Independence Day celebrations, widely seen as a pre-emptive measure against planned protests.