According to opposition parties, nearly 700 people have been killed in protests that erupted over last week’s disputed election results in Tanzania, AFP reported on Friday (31 October).
Chadema party spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP, “Around 350 people have been killed in Dar es Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza. If we include casualties from other areas, the number reaches nearly 700.”
AFP also reported that a security force source confirmed similar casualty figures.
However, the United Nations gave a much lower number, stating in an update on Friday: “So far, 10 people have been killed at the hands of security forces.”
Tanzania held elections last week, in which the two main opposition parties were barred from contesting. Massive protests then broke out in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam starting Tuesday.
Protesters took to the streets against repression of opposition groups and heavy restrictions on the election. They set fire to numerous cars, petrol stations, and police stations.
By Friday, the unrest had entered its third day. Protesters demanded that the Election Commission halt the announcement of results.
In response, the government deployed the military across major cities and cut off internet access in most areas.
On Thursday night, residents in the Dar es Salaam neighborhoods of Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and Kiluwa defied curfew and came out on the streets. Security forces fired tear gas, and gunshots were reportedly heard.
Since gaining independence in 1961, Tanzania has been governed by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which now seeks to extend its rule through fresh elections.
During Wednesday’s voting, President Samia Suluhu Hassan barred her two main challengers from running, fueling public outrage. She became Tanzania’s president in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufu
