At least 700 Tanzanians have lost their lives in three days of violent protests following the country's presidential election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure her grip on power. The opposition party Chadema claims that its supporters were brutally silenced by security forces, with many killed in clashes between protesters and police.
Protests broke out on Wednesday after Chadema's top officials were barred from participating in the election. Chadema's vice-chair, Tundu Lissu, was arrested months earlier on treason charges, while another key opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina, was also disqualified from running.
Since then, crowds of protesters have attacked police stations and businesses linked to the ruling party, leading to a nationwide curfew and internet shutdown. The government has responded with force, condemning the violence as "criminal" and vowing to restore order.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is alarmed by the scale of violence, which it claims has left at least 10 people dead. Security forces have been accused of using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
Chadema's chairman, John Kitoka, has demanded that the government "stop killing our protesters" and calls for a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections. The opposition party claims that its figures are more accurate than those provided by security sources, which put the death toll at over 500 nationwide.
As night-time curfews continue to be enforced across Tanzania, fears remain that more lives will be lost in the coming days. Human rights lawyers say it is "unjustified" for security agencies to use force against protesters and urge President Hassan to listen to her people. With tensions still simmering across the country, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of opposition parties seeking change.
Protests broke out on Wednesday after Chadema's top officials were barred from participating in the election. Chadema's vice-chair, Tundu Lissu, was arrested months earlier on treason charges, while another key opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina, was also disqualified from running.
Since then, crowds of protesters have attacked police stations and businesses linked to the ruling party, leading to a nationwide curfew and internet shutdown. The government has responded with force, condemning the violence as "criminal" and vowing to restore order.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is alarmed by the scale of violence, which it claims has left at least 10 people dead. Security forces have been accused of using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups.
Chadema's chairman, John Kitoka, has demanded that the government "stop killing our protesters" and calls for a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections. The opposition party claims that its figures are more accurate than those provided by security sources, which put the death toll at over 500 nationwide.
As night-time curfews continue to be enforced across Tanzania, fears remain that more lives will be lost in the coming days. Human rights lawyers say it is "unjustified" for security agencies to use force against protesters and urge President Hassan to listen to her people. With tensions still simmering across the country, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of opposition parties seeking change.
what's up with these protests in Tanzania? 700+ deaths is insane lol, like they're trying to break some kinda record 
... Chadema claiming their people were silenced by security forces and all that, but honestly who knows what really went down? 
it's always easy for the opposition party to point fingers when things don't go their way. 
I mean, if they were as popular as they claim to be, wouldn't the government just listen to them? 
or is it all about power and control? 
this is just getting out of hand 
. 700+ people losing their lives in protests? that's just unacceptable 
. the government needs to step up and listen to its people, but instead it's responding with force 
. we need to see more accountability here 
. the opposition party has some valid concerns about the election process and i'm not surprised they're getting frustrated 
. but at what cost? 
we need a transition plan in place ASAP to ensure free and fair elections, not just for the sake of democracy, but for the sake of human lives 
.
, the Tanzanian government's response has been brutal 
! The fact that they're calling the protests "criminal" and using live ammunition against unarmed civilians is just unacceptable 
. It's clear that President Hassan is more concerned with maintaining power than ensuring her citizens' rights.
.
, and I'm calling on President Hassan to listen to her people and respect human rights. The internet shutdown is also super problematic 
. We need transparency and accountability here. This could be a teachable moment for the government to show they're willing to adapt and change, but so far, it's all about maintaining control 
.
... and its all because of these election protests 
... i dont think the gov is doin enough to stop the violence 
... this is what happens when you silence opposition voices 
... i hope the UN and other human rights groups keep putting pressure on the gov to do something about this 
can't believe the gov't is condemning the violence but not taking responsibility for it 
president hassan needs to listen to her ppl, stop being so hardline and talk to Chadema already 
. The gov't needs to take a step back & listen to the people 
, not just the opposition party 
Free & fair elections are everyone's right 
. This is getting out of hand 
. Something needs to change ASAP 
! 
I'm really disappointed in what's happening in Tanzania right now... 700+ lives lost is just insane! 
i feel like the government should be trying to find a way to address the concerns of the opposition party instead of using force 
. The way security forces are responding to the protesters is just horrific 
. Using live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed civilians? That's just wrong 
. How can you trust a government when they're using such violent means to quell protests? 
, and I hope President Hassan takes their words seriously 
. The opposition party has some legit concerns, and a transitional government might be just what Tanzania needs to move forward 
. Fingers crossed that things start to calm down soon 
.
Chadema's people have been silenced by security forces, it's just not right 
. I can imagine being part of a protest movement and feeling like you're fighting for your rights. It's crazy that security forces are using force against peaceful protesters 
. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is right to sound the alarm 
. I hope President Hassan takes a closer look at what her people are saying and makes some real changes 
. how can security agencies justify using force against protesters when they're just trying to express their opinions? 
. Can't believe Chadema's supporters were basically told to shut up and their leaders arrested. The government needs to take a good hard look at what they're doing here and listen to the opposition (no matter how much they disagree). The live ammo and tear gas being used by security forces is absolutely unacceptable 
? I just don't know how this situation is going to end...
. But on the other hand, security forces have no right to just shoot protesters willy-nilly 
I don't know what's more disturbing - the death toll or the fact that Chadema is blaming everyone else for their own party's mess