At least two people have died and hundreds more have been injured as post-election protests erupted across Tanzania following Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary vote widely condemned as fraudulent and repressive.
Demonstrators flooded major cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Mwanza, denouncing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s near-certain re-election amid allegations of opposition suppression, violent crackdowns and a nationwide internet blackout.
Clashes between protesters and security forces intensified on Thursday as the electoral commission began releasing results, showing Hassan with nearly 95 percent of the vote in Mbea province and leading in other constituencies on the mainland and Zanzibar.
In a dramatic spillover, hundreds of Tanzanian protesters crossed into Kenya, barricading roads and tearing down posters of President Hassan.
Amnesty International described the reported deaths of a civilian and a police officer as “deeply disturbing,” urging authorities to exercise restraint and restore access to information.
“The Tanzanian authorities must promptly conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, and the perpetrators must be held accountable,” Amnesty Internation regional director for East and southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said.
The government has imposed a night-time curfew in Dar es Salaam and ordered civil servants to work from home.
Internet connectivity remains severely disrupted, with protesters reportedly using walkie-talkie apps like Zello to coordinate.
Chagutah warned that the nationwide internet disruption could further “inflame the situation” in the country.
“The authorities must allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline by ensuring full internet access and allowing local and international media to report freely on the election.”
Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, was initially lauded for easing political repression.
However, critics say her administration has since narrowed political space through arrests and intimidation.
With the ruling party historically dominant since independence, her re-election appears all but assured.
Final results are expected by Saturday.
JN/APA