Protests erupted in Tanzania for a third consecutive day as citizens voicing their discontent with the recent election faced government warnings. Young demonstrators in major cities labeled the election unfair, pointing out that key opposition figures were barred from competing against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
An ongoing internet shutdown has made it hard to verify reports of violence and casualties. In a response to the unrest, the government has extended curfews to try to restore order. The United Nations has called on security forces to refrain from using excessive force.
UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango expressed alarm over the situation, revealing that at least ten people may have died due to the protests. Amnesty International has struggled to confirm these reports because of communication blackouts in Tanzania. Hospitals are also keeping quiet, leaving many in the dark about casualty numbers. Meanwhile, the government is downplaying the situation’s severity.
As of now, the electoral commission has reported results from about 80 of the total 100 regions, indicating a likely victory for President Samia, who leads the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since 1961. Official results are expected soon.
Fears of escalating violence have led Tanzania’s chief Muslim cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally, to advise Muslims to hold Friday prayers at home. Army Chief Gen Jacob John Mkunda urged protesters to stay off the streets, labeling them as criminals for their actions on October 29. While he claimed the military had the situation under control, protests persist, particularly in Dar es Salaam.
In Zanzibar, where residents elect their government, the CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi won with almost 80% of the vote. However, opposition leaders claim that the election was marred by fraud. The protests have also affected tourism, stranding visitors at the airport due to flight delays.
Many citizens feel that their democracy is under threat. The main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently imprisoned on treason charges, a claim he denies. His party chose to boycott the elections in protest. Another contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified on technical grounds, leaving smaller, less influential parties to fill the ballot.
President Samia made history as Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli. Initially perceived as a breath of fresh air in Tanzanian politics, her government has increasingly faced scrutiny for suppressing dissent and cracking down on critics.
As the unrest unfolds, many eyes are on Tanzania’s path forward. The current atmosphere has drawn attention not just locally but also from global observers, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Source link
