Tanzanian President Attributes Election Protests to Foreign Influence

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has attributed the recent deadly protests following the disputed October 29 election to foreign nationals. In her first remarks after being sworn in, she acknowledged the loss of lives and stated that it was not surprising that those arrested were from other countries, without providing further details. She emphasized the need for national unity and urged security agencies to restore normalcy.

The election saw Hassan secure nearly 98% of the vote after key opposition candidates were disqualified. The main opposition party, Chadema, rejected the results, claiming they have no basis in reality. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges for advocating electoral reforms, while another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo Party, was barred from running.

Protests erupted in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, where demonstrators demanded a halt to vote-counting. The government responded by deploying the military, imposing curfews, and disrupting internet services nationwide. The United Nations reported at least 10 deaths, while opposition sources claim the toll is in the hundreds. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the use of force against protesters.

The unrest has led to the closure of gas stations and grocery stores, with streets nearly empty in Dar es Salaam. The government has postponed the reopening of universities, initially set for November 3. International leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, have called for dialogue to maintain stability in Tanzania.