Violent protests over alleged election rigging in Tanzania have left hundreds dead, with opposition groups accusing security forces of excessive force amid a nationwide internet shutdown.
Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed in Tanzania following three days of violent protests that erupted after Wednesday’s general election.
A spokesperson for the main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that “around 700 people” have died in clashes with security forces. However, the ongoing internet shutdown has made independent verification nearly impossible. A diplomatic source told the BBC there was credible evidence that at least 500 people had been killed.
The protests, led largely by young citizens, spread across major cities, with demonstrators accusing the government of rigging the polls. Many opposition supporters argue the election was unfair since key candidates were barred from running against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor.
Despite warnings from the army chief to end the unrest, demonstrations continued Friday in several parts of Dar es Salaam, including Salasala, Yombo, and Tegeta.