Tanzania's Post-Election Violence Leaves Hundreds Dead: Opposition Claims High Toll
A wave of violence has swept through Tanzania following the country's post-election polls, leaving hundreds dead and sparking widespread concerns about human rights abuses. According to Chadema, a leading opposition party, at least 700 people have lost their lives in three days of unrest, with protests still ongoing despite an internet blackout.
The opposition claims that President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government has been engaged in a campaign of repression, silencing critics and opponents through force. With the main opposition party Chadema barred from standing, its leaders were left to report on the violence, warning that the true death toll could be much higher due to nighttime curfews.
The election itself descended into chaos as large crowds took to the streets, tearing down government posters and attacking police and polling stations, leading to a nationwide curfew. Foreign journalists have been largely banned from covering the election, making it difficult for independent observers to gather accurate information.
Hassan's government has faced opposition since taking power in 2021, with analysts suggesting she sought an emphatic victory to cement her position. The authorities have taken a tough stance on dissent, banning Chadema and putting its leader on trial for treason. Rights groups had condemned a "wave of terror" in the lead-up to the election, including high-profile abductions.
The situation remains dire, with multiple hospitals and health clinics unwilling to comment on the violence, and local news sites not updated since Wednesday. Hassan has yet to comment on the unrest, while her son Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir is accused of overseeing the crackdown.
In Zanzibar, a tourist hotspot, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the official results, alleging ballot box stuffing, multiple votes without ID, and election observers being kicked out. The ruling party has declared victory in the local vote, but concerns remain about the legitimacy of the election.
The country's army chief, Jacob Mkunda, described protesters as "criminals," while Chadema warned that the true death toll could be much higher due to ongoing violence. The opposition's claims of a high number of deaths have been corroborated by security sources and human rights organizations, which have reported at least 100 deaths.
As Tanzania grapples with its post-election crisis, concerns about human rights abuses and the legitimacy of the election continue to grow.
A wave of violence has swept through Tanzania following the country's post-election polls, leaving hundreds dead and sparking widespread concerns about human rights abuses. According to Chadema, a leading opposition party, at least 700 people have lost their lives in three days of unrest, with protests still ongoing despite an internet blackout.
The opposition claims that President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government has been engaged in a campaign of repression, silencing critics and opponents through force. With the main opposition party Chadema barred from standing, its leaders were left to report on the violence, warning that the true death toll could be much higher due to nighttime curfews.
The election itself descended into chaos as large crowds took to the streets, tearing down government posters and attacking police and polling stations, leading to a nationwide curfew. Foreign journalists have been largely banned from covering the election, making it difficult for independent observers to gather accurate information.
Hassan's government has faced opposition since taking power in 2021, with analysts suggesting she sought an emphatic victory to cement her position. The authorities have taken a tough stance on dissent, banning Chadema and putting its leader on trial for treason. Rights groups had condemned a "wave of terror" in the lead-up to the election, including high-profile abductions.
The situation remains dire, with multiple hospitals and health clinics unwilling to comment on the violence, and local news sites not updated since Wednesday. Hassan has yet to comment on the unrest, while her son Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir is accused of overseeing the crackdown.
In Zanzibar, a tourist hotspot, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the official results, alleging ballot box stuffing, multiple votes without ID, and election observers being kicked out. The ruling party has declared victory in the local vote, but concerns remain about the legitimacy of the election.
The country's army chief, Jacob Mkunda, described protesters as "criminals," while Chadema warned that the true death toll could be much higher due to ongoing violence. The opposition's claims of a high number of deaths have been corroborated by security sources and human rights organizations, which have reported at least 100 deaths.
As Tanzania grapples with its post-election crisis, concerns about human rights abuses and the legitimacy of the election continue to grow.
. I think it's essential to consider that the opposition claims of widespread violence and repression might not be exaggerated. The fact that Chadema was barred from standing and its leaders were arrested for treason could have escalated tensions. 
. Another country descending into chaos and violence over a bunch of politicians' egos. I mean, come on, 700 people dead? That's just insane 
. And what really gets my goat is that the government is trying to cover it up by banning foreign journalists and internet access 
. It's like they're trying to hide something... which, let's be real, probably is 
.
. I mean, who needs democracy when you can just stuff ballot boxes and declare victory? Not exactly the most inspiring example of leadership from President Hassan 
. The fact that her son is accused of overseeing the crackdown just adds to the whole "corrupt family dynasty" vibe 
.
.
This is getting outta hand in Tanzania 
. Like, I get it, elections can be intense but hundreds dead? That's just too much. The opposition party Chadema has a point that the government is being super repressive and silencing critics. But at the same time, the protests are getting pretty wild with people tearing down posters and attacking police stations... what's up with that? 
. I'm thinking about the opposition party Chadema's claim of a "wave of terror" leading up to the election... 200+ high-profile abductions 
. It's not good for democracy when ppl are silenced or hurt just for expressing dissent. 
... it shows how quickly things escalated after the election results were announced. 700+ people lost their lives in 3 days! 
. The thought of all those people dying is just heartbreaking 
. I can imagine how scary it must have been for the protesters, especially with the internet blackout and all that.
. They should've been able to make their voices heard louder 
. And what about those who got arrested or put on trial? Was it really necessary to treat them that harshly? 
.
.
something doesn't add up here