Tanzania Election Protests Reportedly Result in 700 Deaths
Reports indicate approximately 700 people have been killed during three days of protests in Tanzania following Wednesday’s presidential election, raising concerns about political stability in the East African nation.
The unrest began after demonstrators voiced opposition to what they described as the suppression of the opposition, stemming from the exclusion of key candidates from the presidential ballot. John Kitoka, a spokesperson for the Chadema opposition party, stated to Agence France-Presse that the death toll currently stands at around 350 in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with additional deaths reported across the country, bringing the total to approximately 700. He added that the actual number could be higher due to ongoing killings during a nationwide curfew imposed Wednesday. A security source corroborated the reports, suggesting a toll potentially reaching 700-800 nationwide, while Amnesty International has confirmed at least 100 deaths.
Kitoka explained that Chadema’s figures were compiled by party members visiting hospitals and clinics to verify fatalities, and he urged the government to “stop killing our protesters,” calling for a transitional government to facilitate free and fair elections. “Stop police brutality. Respect the will of the people which is electoral justice,” Kitoka said. The protests, initially concentrated in Dar es Salaam, have spread throughout Tanzania, with demonstrators attacking police and damaging property linked to the ruling party. This election follows a pattern of increasing restrictions on political opposition in Tanzania, a trend documented by organizations like Human Rights Watch.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed alarm over the deaths and injuries, reporting at least 10 deaths caused by security forces in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, with security forces using live ammunition and teargas. OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango urged security forces to avoid excessive force and called for peaceful demonstrations. Army Chief Gen Jacob John Mkunda condemned the violence yesterday, labeling protesters as “criminals” and stating security forces would work to contain the situation.
Officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the reported death toll, but have indicated security forces are working to restore order.
