Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema claims over 700 people have been killed in three days of violent protests following disputed presidential election results.
More than 700 people have reportedly been killed in three days of violent protests that erupted across Tanzania following Wednesday’s presidential election results.
According to Daily Post, the demonstrations began after the announcement of the outcome, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party declared winner amid allegations of electoral fraud and the detention of opposition leaders.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that hundreds of demonstrators were killed as security forces clamped down on protesters in multiple cities. Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP on Friday that “as we speak, the overall figure for death is around 700.”
He added, “the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus, added to figures across the country.”
The protests, which have spread nationwide, have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
The Tanzanian government has since imposed a curfew, shut down internet access, and barred foreign journalists from covering the unrest.
International observers have yet to independently verify the death toll, but human rights groups have expressed concern over the escalating violence and the government’s heavy-handed response to the post-election crisis.