Post by : Rameen Ariff

Tanzania is reeling under intense unrest after its national elections, with the main opposition party Chadema claiming that nearly 700 people have been killed in violent clashes across the country. The violence erupted following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed victory in Wednesday’s polls, which opposition groups have called deeply unfair.

According to reports, protests broke out in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and other major cities after results were announced, with crowds tearing down posters, storming polling stations, and clashing with police. The government swiftly imposed a nationwide curfew and shut down internet access, leaving much of the nation cut off from the outside world.

Opposition Alleges Mass Killings

Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP that the death toll had reached alarming levels.

“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for Mwanza over 200. Added to other regions, the total is about 700,” he said, warning that the actual number could be higher due to nighttime curfews and restricted communication.

A security source echoed the grim estimate, saying reports suggest “more than 500 dead, possibly 700-800 across the country.” A diplomatic source also confirmed that “hundreds of deaths” have likely occurred.

Conflicting Official Numbers

The United Nations has so far confirmed only 10 deaths, while Amnesty International reported at least 100 fatalities. However, hospitals and clinics across Tanzania have reportedly been too afraid to speak publicly about the rising number of casualties.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has not commented on the unrest, and local media outlets have not been updated since election day, reflecting the tight government control on information.

The only official statement came from Army Chief Jacob Mkunda, who called the protesters “criminals” and vowed strict action.

Internet Blackout and Growing Anger

The internet shutdown, now in its third day, has deepened frustration among citizens. Hamis Mbeto, spokesperson for Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, said the restrictions would continue “until the situation calms.”

“The government knows why the internet has been shut down,” Mbeto said. “People have tried creating tension in Dar es Salaam and destroyed many things.”

Allegations of Election Fraud in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, where the CCM declared victory in local elections on Thursday, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has rejected the results, alleging ballot stuffing, multiple voting, and observer intimidation.

“They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice,” said a senior ACT-Wazalendo official. “The only solution is a fresh election.”

Residents of Zanzibar, speaking anonymously, expressed fear and frustration. “We are afraid to speak because they might come to our houses and pick us up,” one man told reporters.

Deep Political Divide

President Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021, has struggled to unify her party amid internal rifts and military opposition. Analysts say she sought a sweeping electoral win to strengthen her leadership and silence critics.

Rights groups had warned of a “wave of terror” ahead of the vote, citing abductions, harassment, and intimidation of opposition members. Much of the public anger is now directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who has been accused of leading the crackdown on dissenters.

As Tanzania grapples with its worst post-election violence in decades, calls are growing for international intervention and independent investigations into the alleged mass killings.

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