The demonstrations started after two main opposition candidates were blocked from contesting, a move that angered thousands of citizens who accused the government of suppressing democracy.
According to information gathered from local sources, the protests have been most intense in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, where security forces have been deployed heavily.
According to information gathered from local sources, the protests have been most intense in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, where security forces have been deployed heavily.
Witnesses say police have been using tear gas and live bullets to disperse crowds, while some protesters have set government buildings on fire.
The CHADEMA opposition party, whose leader was earlier arrested for treason, claims that nearly 700 people have been killed since Wednesday.
The CHADEMA opposition party, whose leader was earlier arrested for treason, claims that nearly 700 people have been killed since Wednesday.
The figure, which cannot be independently confirmed, is said to be based on accounts from health workers and volunteers in affected areas.
The government, however, has not released any official casualty numbers, only saying that the situation is “under control.”
On Friday morning, the streets of Dar es Salaam were under tight security, with both police and army officers stopping civilians and asking for valid reasons to be outside.
The government also extended a work-from-home directive to public servants and maintained an overnight curfew in the city.
In a message sent to foreign diplomats, Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the ongoing security measures were “temporary but necessary,” insisting that normal life would return soon.
In a message sent to foreign diplomats, Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the ongoing security measures were “temporary but necessary,” insisting that normal life would return soon.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took over power in 2021, has been praised in the past for restoring calm after the Magufuli era, but opposition groups now accuse her of returning the country to authoritarian rule.
The United Nations has confirmed receiving credible reports of at least 10 deaths in the protests and has urged the Tanzanian government to avoid using excessive force.
The United Nations has confirmed receiving credible reports of at least 10 deaths in the protests and has urged the Tanzanian government to avoid using excessive force.
A U.N. spokesperson in Geneva also appealed to protesters to remain peaceful while calling for dialogue between the government and opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee has described the Tanzanian elections as “a fraud,” citing widespread fear, intimidation, and arrests.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee has described the Tanzanian elections as “a fraud,” citing widespread fear, intimidation, and arrests.
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