‘Many fatalities’ reported in Tanzania following election unrest, according to opposition sources.

Tanzania is experiencing severe unrest following the recent election, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a controversial victory amidst allegations of voter suppression. The main opposition party, Chadema, reports approximately 700 deaths in just three days, attributed to violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators protesting the election results. Major cities like Dar es Salaam and Mwanza have reported high fatalities, with Chadema spokesman John Kitoka stating around 350 deaths in Dar es Salaam alone.

In response to the unrest, the government imposed an internet blackout and curfew, further escalating tensions. While the United Nations acknowledged credible reports of at least ten deaths, Amnesty International indicated over 100 fatalities. The lack of reliable information is exacerbated by a ban on foreign journalists and the ongoing communications blackout.

In Zanzibar, the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), announced victory in local elections, a claim contested by the opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, who alleged electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing. A senior official from ACT-Wazalendo called for new elections to ensure justice.

The international community has expressed alarm over the violence and censorship in Tanzania, with human rights groups condemning government actions and urging respect for free expression and peaceful protest. As clashes continue and communication remains disrupted, the overall situation remains unstable, preventing a clear assessment of the crisis’s full extent.