Tanzania is experiencing a third consecutive day of protests following Wednesday's election, despite warnings from the army chief. Demonstrations are occurring in major cities, with participants alleging the election was unfair due to the exclusion of key opposition figures. An internet shutdown is in effect, hindering confirmation of casualty reports. The UN has called for restraint from security forces, while its human rights spokesperson reported at least 10 deaths from "credible sources." Official results for the presidential election are expected on Saturday.
Ongoing Protests and Official Responses
- Protests are continuing for a third day in Tanzania's major cities, including the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. Protesters state that Wednesday's election was unfair, citing the exclusion of prominent opposition figures.
- On Thursday, army chief Gen Jacob John Mkunda directed protesters to leave the streets. He stated on state TV that "some people went to the streets on 29 October and committed criminal acts," describing them as "criminals" whose actions "should be stopped immediately." Gen Mkunda added that the military would collaborate with other security agencies to manage the situation and that the army had "controlled the situation."
- Authorities have extended a curfew, stating it is to contain the protests.
- Tanzania's chief Muslim cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally, advised Muslims to perform Friday prayers at home due to concerns about potential violence.
Reports of Casualties and Information Access
- UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango, quoted by Reuters, stated that reports from "credible sources" indicate at least 10 people have been killed and others injured in election-related protests.
- An internet shutdown is in effect, hindering confirmation of death reports.
- Amnesty International in Kenya informed the BBC that due to communication disruptions in Tanzania, the group has been unable to confirm death reports.
- Hospitals in Tanzania are reportedly not providing information regarding casualties to journalists or human rights groups.
- The UN has urged Tanzania's security forces to avoid unnecessary or disproportionate force.
Election Context and Opposition
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following her predecessor's death, is participating in her first presidential election.
- The electoral commission has released results from over half of the country's 100 constituencies, according to state broadcaster TBC.
- President Samia is anticipated to win the election under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has been in power since Tanzania's independence in 1961. Official results are expected on Saturday.
- Protesters accuse the government of undermining democracy, citing the jailing of a key opposition leader and the disqualification of another.
- Tundu Lissu, identified as a prominent opposition leader, is incarcerated on treason charges, which he denies. His party boycotted the election.
- Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was disqualified on legal technicalities.
- Sixteen parties with historically limited public support were cleared to contest the elections.
- President Samia, Tanzania's first female president, took office in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli. Her administration has faced accusations of targeting critics through arrests and abductions.
Developments in Zanzibar
- In Zanzibar, Tanzania's semi-autonomous archipelago, the incumbent CCM president Hussein Mwinyi has won with nearly 80% of the vote.
- The opposition in Zanzibar has alleged "massive fraud," as reported by the AP news agency.
- Reports indicate tourists on the archipelago are experiencing airport delays and flight disruptions due to protests occurring on the mainland.