Dar es salaam: Hundreds of people have been killed in Tanzania during three days of protests following Wednesday's general election, according to the country's main opposition party. The ongoing unrest has been exacerbated by a nationwide internet shutdown, complicating efforts to verify casualty numbers.
According to BBC, a spokesperson from the opposition Chadema party reported to news agency AFP that "around 700" individuals had lost their lives in clashes with security forces. Meanwhile, a diplomatic source in Tanzania provided credible evidence indicating that at least 500 people had died. Protests persisted on Friday, with demonstrators in Dar es Salaam defying warnings from the army chief to cease the unrest.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit characterized the violence as "a few isolated pockets of incidents here and there" and stated that security forces acted swiftly to address the situation. He mentioned ongoing reports of vandalized properties and justified the internet blackout as a necessary measure to prevent further vandalism and save lives.
Journalists and human rights groups have faced challenges in verifying death reports, with hospitals refusing to disclose casualty information. A hospital source in Dar es Salaam informed the BBC that they have been overwhelmed with casualties since Thursday, with most public hospitals reportedly having full morgues.
John Kitoka, Chadema's director of foreign and diaspora affairs, expressed fears for his life, citing "massacres carried out during night hours" when no witnesses are present. He claimed security forces are targeting opposition leaders, forcing some to flee the country, and accused them of acting with impunity.
The UN has urged Tanzania's security forces to avoid unnecessary force, while foreign ministers from the UK, Canada, and Norway issued a joint statement calling for authorities to exercise maximum restraint and respect freedom of expression.
In Zanzibar, CCM's Hussein Mwinyi won the election with nearly 80% of the vote amid opposition claims of "massive fraud." Tourists are reportedly stranded at the airport due to the protests and internet shutdown affecting flights. Official results are expected on Saturday, with President Samia anticipated to win. The ruling party, CCM, and its predecessor Tanu, have maintained political dominance since independence.
President Samia, who took office in 2021 as Tanzania's first female president, was initially praised for easing political repression. However, allegations of targeting critics through arrests and abductions have since emerged. Two main opposition contenders, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, faced legal and political challenges preventing their participation in the election, while sixteen fringe parties with limited public support were allowed to run.