UN reports at least 10 deaths amid election unrest; internet blackout hampers information flow
Dar es Salaam — Protests continued across Tanzania for a third consecutive day Friday, as demonstrators defied warnings from the nation’s army chief to cease demonstrations against Wednesday’s disputed presidential election.
Young protesters have flooded the streets of major cities, denouncing the electoral process as unfair after key opposition figures were barred from challenging incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan. An ongoing internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify reports emerging from the East African nation, while authorities have extended curfews in an attempt to restore order.
International Concern Mounts
The United Nations has expressed alarm over the escalating violence, calling on Tanzanian security forces to exercise restraint.
“We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have occurred in 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.
Amnesty International in Kenya said the communications blackout has prevented the rights organization from independently confirming casualty figures. Hospitals across Tanzania have declined to provide information to journalists or human rights groups regarding injuries or deaths.
The Tanzanian government has downplayed the severity of the violence.
Military Issues Stern Warning
On Thursday, Army Chief Gen. Jacob John Mkunda ordered protesters to leave the streets, warning that the military would work alongside other security agencies to contain the unrest.
“Some people went to the streets on 29 October and committed criminal acts. These are criminals and the criminal acts should be stopped immediately,” Gen. Mkunda said on state television, claiming the army had “controlled the situation.”
Despite the warning, protesters returned to the streets of Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital, on Friday.
Tanzania’s chief Muslim cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally, urged Muslims to perform Friday prayers at home amid fears of escalating violence.
Election Results Expected Saturday
The electoral commission has announced results from approximately 80 of the country’s 100 regions, according to state broadcaster TBC. President Hassan, running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, is expected to win decisively. The CCM has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961. Official results are scheduled for release Saturday.
In semi-autonomous Zanzibar, which elects its own government and leader, incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi of the CCM secured nearly 80% of the vote. The opposition has alleged “massive fraud,” according to the Associated Press. Tourists on the archipelago have reportedly been stranded at airports due to flight delays caused by mainland protests.
Opposition Excluded from Race
Demonstrators have accused the government of undermining democratic processes by preventing serious challengers from competing against President Hassan.
Tundu Lissu, the main opposition leader, remains jailed on treason charges that he denies. His party boycotted the election. The only other significant contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified on what authorities described as legal technicalities.
Sixteen fringe parties with limited historical support were permitted to participate in the election.
President Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. While initially praised for relaxing political restrictions, her government has faced growing criticism for allegedly targeting critics through arrests and reported abductions.
