Tanzania Opposition Claims 700 Deaths in Post-Election Violence Amid Internet Blackout

Protesters gathered in the streets of Dar es Salaam and other Tanzanian cities following contested elections. (File)

Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, has reported approximately 700 fatalities resulting from three days of election-related protests, as demonstrations continue amid an ongoing internet blackout.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan had aimed to strengthen her position and quiet internal party critics through a decisive victory in Wednesday's election. Her main challengers were either imprisoned or prevented from participating in the electoral process.

The election descended into turmoil as protesters flooded the streets of Dar es Salaam and other urban centers, destroying the President's campaign materials and confronting police forces. The unrest prompted authorities to implement an internet shutdown and impose a curfew.

With foreign journalists largely prohibited from election coverage and a communications blackout entering its third day, reliable information about the situation has been limited.

Chadema spokesman John Kitoka told AFP that confrontations between protesters and security forces were continuing in the commercial center on Friday. "Currently, the death count in Dar es Salaam is approximately 350, with over 200 in Mwanza. When combined with figures from other regions across the country, the total reaches around 700," he stated.

"The actual death toll may be significantly higher," Kitoka warned, suggesting that killings could be occurring during the nighttime curfew hours.

A security source informed AFP they were receiving reports indicating more than 500 dead, "possibly 700-800 throughout the country."

"We're discussing hundreds of fatalities," a diplomatic source confirmed to AFP.

The United Nations reported "credible accounts" of 10 deaths, marking the first information released by an international organization, while Amnesty International stated it had received information confirming at least 100 fatalities.

Multiple hospitals and health facilities were reluctant to communicate directly with AFP due to fear of repercussions.

President Hassan has not yet addressed the unrest, and local news outlets have not been updated since Wednesday.

The only official statement came from army chief Jacob Mkunda late Thursday, who characterized the protesters as "criminals."

In Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination with semi-autonomous governance, a spokesperson for Hassan's Revolution Party (Chama Cha Mapinduzi: CCM) indicated that internet service would be restored once the situation stabilized.

"The government has specific reasons for suspending internet access. Certain individuals have attempted to create unrest in Dar es Salaam and have caused extensive damage," spokesman Hamis Mbeto told reporters.

In Zanzibar, the CCM had already been declared winner of the local election on Thursday.

The opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, contested the result, stating: "They have deprived Zanzibar's citizens of their voice... The only path to justice is through conducting new elections."

A senior party official told AFP that electoral fraud had occurred, including ballot box stuffing, multiple voting without identification, and the removal of their election observers from counting centers.

At a gathering place for opposition supporters in Zanzibar, the atmosphere was one of disappointment and apprehension.

"There hasn't been a legitimate election since 1995," remarked a 70-year-old man, referring to Tanzania's first multi-party election.

None of those interviewed provided their names.

"We fear speaking openly because authorities might come to our residences and arrest us," one person explained.

Since assuming leadership following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021, President Hassan has faced resistance from segments of the military and Magufuli's allies, according to analysts.

Experts suggest she sought a decisive victory to consolidate her position. Meanwhile, authorities banned the main opposition party, Chadema, and put its leader on trial for treason.

In the period leading to the election, human rights organizations condemned a "wave of terror" in the East African nation, including numerous high-profile abductions that intensified during the final days of the campaign.

Significant public anger has been directed toward Hassan's son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who stands accused of overseeing the crackdown.

While ACT-Wazalendo was permitted to participate in Zanzibar's local election, its candidate was prohibited from challenging Hassan in mainland Tanzania.