Samia Suluhu Hassan winner of the country’s disputed general election, amid violent protests and claims of mass killings.
According to official results announced early Saturday, Hassan, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate, secured nearly 98% of the votes. However, the opposition has rejected the outcome, describing it as a sham tainted by bloodshed and intimidation.
Violence and Heavy Death Toll
Opposition figures reported that protests against alleged electoral manipulation turned deadly in several cities. The Chadema opposition party claimed that around 700 people were killed during the unrest.
John Kitoka, Chadema’s spokesperson, told AFP that the situation had spiraled into a nationwide tragedy.
“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350, and in Mwanza, it’s 200-plus. Across the country, the total could reach 700,” he said.
He added that the number might rise further, citing ongoing night-time killings during the nationwide curfew imposed since Wednesday.
A security source confirmed to AFP that at least 500 to 800 people may have been killed, while Amnesty International reported receiving credible evidence of at least 100 deaths.
Chadema said its members visited hospitals and clinics to count bodies and verify deaths. The party demanded an end to what it called “state-sponsored killings,” urging the government to allow a transitional authority to oversee a fresh, fair election.
“Stop police brutality. Respect the will of the people. We want electoral justice,” Kitoka demanded.
Government Dismisses Allegations
The Tanzanian government dismissed opposition claims as “hugely exaggerated.” Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said reports of mass killings were false and insisted that only “a few small pockets of unrest” occurred, allegedly caused by criminal elements.
Authorities also imposed internet restrictions and maintained the nationwide curfew, measures that human rights groups said were aimed at silencing dissent.
International Reaction
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into the reported killings and allegations of excessive use of force. The UN chief emphasized the need for accountability and urged both sides to ensure calm.
The violence has cast a shadow over Hassan’s victory. The election excluded several top opposition candidates who were either disqualified or entangled in legal disputes. Observers say that exclusion undermined the credibility of the polls.
Hassan’s First Full Term
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed power in March 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, sought her first full term in this election. She had campaigned on promises of stability, women’s empowerment, and economic reform.
However, her sweeping victory now faces global skepticism, as many fear the results could further divide the nation.