Tanzania is facing one of its deadliest political crises, with around 700 people reportedly killed in three days of violent election protests. The unrest erupted after Wednesday’s vote, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan claimed as a sweeping victory. Her main rivals were either jailed or barred from running, fueling public outrage.
Protesters filled the streets of Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, tearing down Hassan’s posters and clashing with police. The government responded with curfews and an internet blackout that has now lasted three days, making it difficult to confirm the scale of violence.
The opposition party, Chadema, reported about 350 deaths in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza. Amnesty International cited at least 100 fatalities, while the UN confirmed 10.
Security forces described the protesters as “criminals.” President Hassan has yet to comment on the bloodshed.
In Zanzibar, opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected local election results, accusing authorities of ballot stuffing and voter intimidation. Residents said they feared speaking publicly about the violence.
Observers believe Hassan aimed to consolidate power amid divisions within her party and military. Rights groups warned of a “wave of terror” gripping the nation.
