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Tanzania election violence: Tanzania is reeling under its worst political unrest in years after opposition groups claimed that nearly 700 people were killed in violent clashes that erupted following Wednesday’s disputed general election. The situation remains tense with the army deployed, a curfew imposed, and internet services suspended across much of the country.

According to the opposition party Chadema, the death toll has surged sharply in just three days of demonstrations. “As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus.

Added to figures from other regions, the overall figure is around 700,” party spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP. Security sources quoted by AFP said similar figures were circulating within the army, though the government has yet to release any official data.

Why Protests Erupted

The protests began soon after Wednesday’s general election, which the opposition alleged was marred by irregularities and intimidation. Voters across Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, and other regions took to the streets, accusing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of “stealing the mandate of the people.”

Demonstrators clashed with police, set tyres ablaze, and blocked major roads. Witnesses reported the use of tear gas and live ammunition by security forces to disperse crowds. Several police stations and government buildings were damaged in the violence. The government, however, described the protests as “isolated incidents” and said the security measures were temporary but necessary to restore order.

Internet Shutdown And Curfew

Authorities have enforced a night-time curfew and blocked access to the internet for a third consecutive day, restricting communication and coverage by international journalists. Civil servants have been instructed to work from home, and schools and colleges have delayed reopening.

Local residents in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma described an eerie calm, with soldiers patrolling streets and civilians afraid to step out. “People are scared to talk. There are soldiers everywhere,” said a resident, speaking anonymously to AP.

In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island region, tensions escalated after incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi was declared the winner with 78.8 per cent of votes. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the results, alleging “massive fraud” and claiming that its observers were expelled from polling stations. “They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice,” a senior ACT-Wazalendo official said, calling for a fresh election under international supervision.

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Global Concern And Calls For Restraint

The United Nations and Amnesty International have urged Tanzanian authorities to show restraint and avoid excessive use of force. “We call on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal weapons, against protesters,” said UN human rights office spokesperson Seif Magango from Nairobi. Amnesty warned of a “wave of terror” and urged the government to restore internet access and allow media freedom.

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President Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, faces the toughest test of her tenure. Analysts say the election outcome and ensuing violence could determine the future of democracy in one of East Africa’s most stable nations. As of Friday evening, no official casualty figures had been released. Opposition groups have vowed to continue peaceful protests until, they say, “the will of the people is respected.”

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