Tanzania Opposition Reports Hundreds Killed in Election Protests

Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, has reported that approximately 700 people have been killed during three days of protests following the recent presidential election. Demonstrations erupted on election day, October 29, in response to the exclusion of key opposition candidates from the ballot.

John Kitoka, a spokesperson for Chadema, stated that the death toll includes around 350 fatalities in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza. He noted that the overall figure could be higher due to killings occurring during a night-time curfew imposed since Wednesday. Kitoka emphasized that these numbers were gathered by party members visiting hospitals and health clinics to count bodies.

The Tanzanian government has not yet commented on these figures. However, a security source indicated that there have been reports of more than 500 deaths, possibly between 700 and 800 nationwide.

Amnesty International has received information suggesting that at least 100 people have been killed. The organization has called for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force against protesters and urged authorities to respect human rights during the electoral process.

The protests began after the disqualification of prominent opposition candidates, including Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, from the presidential race. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking a second term, faced minimal opposition from lesser-known candidates.

In response to the unrest, the government deployed the military, imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, and reportedly disrupted internet access nationwide. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm over the deaths and injuries, urging security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force and calling on protesters to demonstrate peacefully.

The situation remains tense, with a heavy police and military presence in major cities as demonstrations continue.