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Tear gas was fired to disperse demonstrators - this protest was in the town of Namanga, which is on the border with Kenya [AFP]
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Dar es Salaam
Hundreds of people are feared to have been killed in Tanzania during three days of violent protests that erupted after Wednesday’s general election, according to the main opposition party, Chadema.
A Chadema spokesperson told media that around 700 people had been killed in clashes with security forces, though an ongoing nationwide internet shutdown has made it extremely difficult to independently verify the figures. A diplomatic source who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity said there was credible evidence of at least 500 deaths. However, the government has downplayed the reports, with a senior minister insisting that “nobody can state how many were injured” and defending the authorities’ response to the unrest.
Protests Erupt Amid Claims of Unfair Election
Demonstrations have been recorded in major cities, led largely by young people who allege that the election was compromised after key opposition figures were barred from contesting against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor and this is her first presidential election
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the incidents as isolated and insisted the security forces acted swiftly to restore order.
“There were a few isolated pockets of incidents here and there… our security forces acted very swiftly and decisively,” he told media.
He defended the internet shutdown as a measure to curb vandalism and “save lives”.
Military Warns Protesters as Unrest Spreads
Despite warnings from the army chief, protests continued on Friday in several neighbourhoods of Dar es Salaam, including Salasala, Yombo and Tegeta.
“Some people committed criminal acts… These are criminals and the criminal acts should be stopped immediately,” said Gen Jacob John Mkunda on state TV, adding that the army had “controlled the situation”.
A curfew has been extended as authorities seek to contain the unrest.
Information Blackout and Hospitals Overwhelmed
The internet shutdown has severely constrained reporting by journalists and human rights groups. Hospitals have reportedly declined to release casualty figures.
A source at a major referral hospital in Dar es Salaam said that the facility had been “overwhelmed with casualties” since Thursday, and morgues in other hospitals were believed to be full.
Opposition politicians claim targeted night-time attacks are being carried out.
“Massacres are carried out during night hours when no-one is there to witness them,” said John Kitoka, Chadema’s Director of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, who also claimed party leaders are being hunted down.
International Concern Mounts
The UN has urged Tanzanian security forces to avoid excessive force.
“We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries… Reports indicate at least 10 people were killed,” UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango said, according to Reuters.
Diplomatic sources indicate that several foreign embassies have engaged the Tanzanian government, urging restraint.
Many of the demonstrators chose not to vote because they said the main opposition candidates were not on the ballot
Election Amid Low Turnout
By Friday afternoon, the electoral commission had released results from about 80 of the country’s 272 regions. International observers reported very low voter turnout during Wednesday’s polls.
President Samia, of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, is widely expected to win. CCM has remained in power since independence in 1961. Official results are expected on Saturday.
In semi-autonomous Zanzibar, the incumbent CCM President Hussein Mwinyi won re-election with nearly 80% of the vote, though the opposition called the process fraudulent.
Travel Disruptions and Communication Crisis
The internet shutdown has caused widespread disruption, leaving many travellers stranded.
Tourists in Zanzibar reported delays, and flights were cancelled due to communication failures.
Kenyan publicist Anyiko Owoko described “total disconnect” after being stranded for three days:
“Internet, shops, petrol stations, email, social media, everything was down… No calls, no messages, no taxis, and many couldn’t rebook flights,” she wrote on Instagram.
Polling day itself was marred by clashes, especially in the main city of Dar es Salaam
Opposition Marginalised Ahead of Vote
The government has been accused of undermining democracy after leading opposition figure Tundu Lissu was jailed on treason charges he denies, and another key opposition candidate was disqualified.
Only 16 minor parties participated in the election, none with significant national support.
President Samia initially gained praise for easing political repression after taking office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, but critics say that political freedoms have since narrowed, including alleged abductions and arrests of government critics.
Source: BBC
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