Over seven hundred people are reported to have died in protests that erupted after this week’s disputed elections in Tanzania. The country’s main opposition party has alleged that hundreds of people were killed during protests. The United Nations confirmed that it has received “credible reports” confirming that at least 10 people have died in the unrest. The clashes reportedly broke out amid accusations of vote rigging and irregularities.
Al Jazeera quoted Chadema party spokesperson John Kitoka, who stated that around 350 people in Dar-es-Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza are reported to be dead. “If we add the figures from other places in the country, we arrive at a total of around 700 deaths,” he added. The party said its members had toured hospitals across the country to reach the figure. Tanzanian government has not released any estimates on casualties, only saying its forces were restoring order after “isolated incidents”.
What Triggered the Violence in the African Country?
Notably, protests erupted in Dar-es-Salaam on Wednesday following disputed and chaotic elections that barred the country’s two main opposition parties from participating. Protestors set ablaze several vehicles, a petrol station and police stations after reportedly being infuriated by the restricted election choices and harassment of opposition figures. On Friday, hundreds of demonstrators squared off with police, demanding the national electoral body stop announcing electoral results. The government deployed the military onto the streets and enforced an internet shutdown.
Wednesday’s elections excluded President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two main challengers, angering citizens and rights groups who condemned the growing crackdown on opposition members, activists, and journalists.
Also Read: A ‘New chapter’ in India-US Defence ties, 10-year framework signed in Kuala Lumpur
