Hundreds dead in Tanzania election protest

Tanzania’s main opposition has claimed that hundreds of people were killed during three days of election-related protests, as the country remained under an internet blackout on Friday, with the government denying the use of “excessive force.”

A security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam told AFP that the death toll could be in the “hundreds” as unrest continued.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan had sought to consolidate her position and silence internal critics with a decisive victory in Wednesday’s election, in which her primary challengers were either jailed or barred from running.

The vote, however, erupted into chaos, with crowds taking to the streets of Dar es Salaam and other cities, tearing down campaign posters, attacking police, and targeting polling stations. Authorities responded with an internet shutdown and imposed curfews.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said the government had “no figures” on fatalities. “Currently, no excessive force has been used. There’s no number until now of any protesters killed,” he told Al-Jazeera. 

Hundreds dead in Tanzania election protest

Chadema, the main opposition party, painted a starkly different picture. Spokesman John Kitoka told AFP that about 350 people were killed in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with nationwide deaths possibly reaching around 700. He warned the toll could be higher, with killings potentially occurring during the curfew hours.

The security source suggested the number might be as high as 700–800 nationwide.

With foreign journalists largely banned from covering the elections and communications cut off for a third day, verified information from the ground has been limited.

The United Nations reported “credible reports” of at least 10 deaths early Friday, while Amnesty International cited information suggesting at least 100 people had been killed. Multiple hospitals and health clinics declined to comment due to safety concerns.

Hassan has not publicly addressed the unrest, and local news sites have not posted updates since Wednesday. Army chief Jacob Mkunda described protesters as “criminals” late Thursday. In Zanzibar, Hassan’s CCM party was declared the winner of local elections on Thursday, but the opposition ACT-Wazalendo rejected the results, alleging voter fraud and calling for a fresh vote.

A senior party official claimed ballot boxes were stuffed, voters cast multiple ballots without ID, and election observers were removed from counting rooms. Opposition supporters in Zanzibar expressed fear and dismay, with one 70-year-old noting, “There has never been a credible election since 1995.” Many refused to give their names, citing concerns for their safety.

Analysts say Hassan has faced resistance from elements of the army and allies of her late predecessor, John Magufuli, since assuming office in 2021. To secure a strong mandate, authorities banned Chadema and put its leader on trial for treason. Human rights groups have condemned a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the election, including several high-profile abductions.

Much of the public anger has focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who is accused of overseeing the crackdown. While ACT-Wazalendo could contest local elections in Zanzibar, its candidate was barred from running against Hassan on the mainland.