About 700 people have reportedly died in Tanzania amid protests following recent elections. The chaos erupted over claims of opposition suppression after key candidates were barred from running.
John Kitoka, a spokesperson for the Chadema opposition party, provided these figures, noting an alarming number of fatalities in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. He indicated that the real numbers could be higher, particularly due to nighttime curfews that hinder accurate reporting.
A security source corroborated that the death toll could be as high as 800 across the country, while Amnesty International confirmed at least 100 deaths. Kitoka described the grim process by which Chadema gathered this information, including visits to hospitals to count casualties.
The situation escalated after President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government disqualified multiple opposition leaders, effectively leaving her with only lesser-known candidates to contest against. This has drawn significant public anger, triggering massive protests, especially in Dar es Salaam.
These demonstrations quickly turned violent, with protesters attacking police and damaging properties associated with the ruling party. The government responded with an enforced curfew and widespread internet blackouts, reported by global monitor NetBlocks.
The human rights situation has caught international attention. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern over the violence, confirming injuries and deaths caused by security forces. The spokesperson for the office urged that security measures should not involve unnecessary force.
Tito Magoti, a dedicated human rights lawyer, described law enforcement actions as “unjustified.” He called for President Hassan to listen to the voices of the people, emphasizing the overwhelming sentiment that the elections were unfair, with many feeling they had only one candidate to choose from.
Historical context adds depth to this situation. In previous elections, similar patterns of repression have occurred, often discouraging voter participation. Observers have noted that the urgency for electoral reforms in Tanzania is not new; calls for change have echoed through past administrations.
Public sentiment on social media reflects a growing frustration with the government’s actions, with many voices demanding accountability and justice. As protests continue, the need for transparency and a commitment to democratic principles presents an urgent challenge for the Tanzanian government.
For more on the situation in Tanzania and global human rights standards, visit Amnesty International.
