In brief
Continuing for a third day, protests in Tanzania have challenged military commands to cease unrest amid an election deemed unfair by demonstrators. Opposition figures have been barred from participating against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, fueling tensions as the nation experiences an internet shutdown and a government-imposed curfew. Calls from the UN urge restraint from security forces as reports of potential fatalities surface.
Protesters have taken to the streets in Tanzania for a third day, defying warnings from the country's army chief to end the unrest. Demonstrations are widespread in major cities, with young attendees denouncing Wednesday's election as unfair due to the exclusion of key opposition figures from contesting against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
An internet shutdown is currently in place, complicating efforts to confirm reports of any fatalities, as authorities have introduced an extended curfew in an attempt to quell the protests. The United Nations has expressed concern and called for the country's security forces to avoid using unnecessary or disproportionate force.
We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have occurred during the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. Reports we have received indicate that at least 10 people were killed, UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango told Reuters, referencing credible sources. Amnesty International mentioned that communication issues prevent verification of casualty reports from within Tanzania.
Hospitals have refused to release information to journalists or human rights organizations about casualties, while the government appears to be downplaying the violence. Results from over half of the country's electoral constituencies have been announced by the electoral authorities.
President Samia is expected to secure victory under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has been in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961. Official results are anticipated on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Tanzania's chief Muslim cleric has urged followers to pray at home due to fears of heightened violence. Army chief Gen Jacob John Mkunda has warned protestors, stating on state television that criminal acts committed on 29 October must be ceased immediately and assured that the military has the situation under control.
However, protests persist in major urban areas, including Dar es Salaam. In Zanzibar, where the CCM's President Hussein Mwinyi has claimed nearly 80% of the vote, opposition allegations of widespread electoral fraud have emerged. Tourists in the area are also experiencing delays and disruptions due to ongoing protests on the mainland.
Many demonstrators accuse the government of undermining democracy, as the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, remains jailed on treason charges, and another candidate has been disqualified on technical grounds, further consolidating Samia's electoral prospects.
Samia, who took office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president after the death of her predecessor, has faced criticism for tightening political space in recent years following initial praise for easing repression.
