Opposition figures say hundreds have reportedly been killed in post-election protests following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election in Tanzania.
Recall that the protests began after President Hassan secured re-election in a vote where her main rivals were either jailed or barred from running.
What began as peaceful gatherings quickly turned deadly as security forces clashed with protesters in major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, Dockaysworld gathered
According to John Kitoka, spokesperson for the opposition party Chadema, at least 700 people have been killed in just three days.
He said around 350 deaths were recorded in Dar es Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza, adding that the true toll could be higher as killings reportedly continue under a night-time curfew.
With internet access cut and a curfew still in force, information from Tanzania has largely dried up, as local media remain offline and foreign reporters are blocked from covering the aftermath of the polls.
Witnesses told AFP that protesters continued to march toward the city centre in Dar es Salaam on Friday despite a heavy military and police presence.
Amnesty International said it had verified at least 100 deaths so far, though a security source estimated between 700 and 800 fatalities nationwide according to France 24.
Hospitals and clinics have reportedly refused to speak to reporters for fear of reprisal.
President Hassan has yet to comment on the unrest, while the only official reaction came from army chief Jacob Mkunda, who labelled the demonstrators “criminals” in a statement late Thursday.
The election, meant to secure another term for Hassan, has instead plunged the country into one of its bloodiest crises in years.
