‘Hundreds dead’ in Tanzania post-election violence, says opposition party Azad News HD

 

Tanzania’s Deadly Election Protests: 700 Killed Amid Internet Blackout and Rising Political Unrest

The East African nation of Tanzania has been thrown into chaos as the opposition claims that around 700 people have been killed in just three days of post-election violence. What began as demonstrations over alleged vote rigging has spiraled into a national tragedy marked by deadly crackdowns, a communications blackout, and a government scrambling to restore control amid international outcry. As the death toll climbs, the situation exposes deep fissures within Tanzanian society—between citizens’ democratic aspirations and the state’s increasingly authoritarian grip on power.

The Spark of Unrest

The crisis erupted shortly after the national election results were announced earlier this week. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence, declared a sweeping victory, securing both the presidency and an overwhelming majority in parliament. However, the main opposition party, CHADEMA, led by Freeman Mbowe, rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral fraud, ballot stuffing, intimidation, and tampering by state security agencies.

Within hours of the announcement, protests erupted across major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Dodoma. Demonstrators took to the streets chanting slogans like “Haki yetu! (Our right!)” and “Stop the stealing of votes!” What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent when police and military forces intervened with tear gas, rubber bullets, and, according to witnesses, live ammunition.

A Rising Death Toll and Conflicting Accounts

Opposition leaders claim that at least 700 protesters have been killed since the demonstrations began, with hundreds more injured and thousands arrested. The government, however, disputes these figures, claiming that “only a few” people have lost their lives in “isolated incidents of violence.” Independent verification has proven nearly impossible due to the nationwide internet blackout, severe restrictions on journalists, and reports of mass detentions.

Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have voiced grave concern, stating that the number of casualties is likely to be much higher than officially acknowledged. They have also condemned the government’s heavy-handed response, calling for an independent investigation into what they describe as “state-sanctioned violence against peaceful demonstrators.”

A CHADEMA spokesperson speaking from an undisclosed location said, “What we are witnessing is a massacre. The people went out to demand their votes be respected, and the government responded with bullets.”

Eyewitnesses from several cities have shared harrowing accounts of security forces firing into crowds, raiding opposition offices, and dragging away wounded protesters. In Arusha, residents described seeing unmarked trucks collecting bodies overnight. In Mwanza, medical staff at a local hospital reported that morgues had reached capacity, with dozens of unidentified bodies being held.

A Nation in the Dark: The Internet Blackout

Compounding the crisis is the government-imposed internet blackout, now entering its fourth day. Access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) has been blocked, and mobile data services remain suspended. Officials claim the measure is intended to prevent “the spread of misinformation and incitement to violence,” but critics argue it is a deliberate attempt to suppress evidence of the government’s actions and cut off communication between activists.

The blackout has not only silenced protest coordination but also disrupted emergency services, banking transactions, and basic communication between citizens. Families searching for missing loved ones have been unable to obtain information from hospitals or authorities, deepening the despair gripping the nation.

International digital rights organizations have condemned the move, with Access Now labeling it “a violation of fundamental human rights.” The group’s spokesperson noted, “Internet shutdowns during political unrest are not just tools of censorship—they are weapons of repression.”

Historical Context: Tanzania’s Shifting Political Landscape

For decades, Tanzania was regarded as one of Africa’s most stable nations. Under the leadership of founding father Julius Nyerere, the country embraced a form of African socialism known as ujamaa, which prioritized unity and equality. However, since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s, the ruling CCM has maintained near-total control, often accused of manipulating the democratic process to preserve power.

Over the past decade, the political environment has grown increasingly repressive. The late President John Magufuli’s tenure (2015–2021) was marked by a severe clampdown on dissent, the banning of political rallies, and restrictions on media freedom. His successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, initially promised reforms and reconciliation but has since faced criticism for allowing security forces to continue repressive tactics.

Analysts say the current unrest is the culmination of years of frustration among Tanzanians who feel excluded from the political process. “This is not just about one election,” said Dr. Fatma Mwinyi, a political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam. “It’s about a system that has consistently denied citizens a genuine voice in their governance.”

Government’s Stance and Security Operations

The Tanzanian government has defended its actions, framing the protests as a “coordinated attempt to destabilize the nation.” Interior Minister Hamad Masauni told state media that “criminal elements disguised as protesters” were responsible for acts of arson, looting, and attacks on security personnel. He confirmed that more than 3,000 people had been detained and that “operations would continue until peace is fully restored.”

However, opposition members and international observers have dismissed these claims as an excuse for a crackdown on political dissent. Several reports indicate that the government has deployed the military to major urban centers, imposing curfews and establishing checkpoints to monitor movement. Residents have described a climate of fear, with armed patrols enforcing what some call “a state of undeclared martial law.”

Local media outlets, many under government pressure, have provided limited coverage of the protests. Several independent journalists have reportedly been detained or have gone into hiding after receiving threats from security agencies.

Humanitarian Concerns and Growing Displacement

As violence intensifies, humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the potential for a large-scale crisis. Thousands of families have fled conflict zones, seeking refuge in rural areas or neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda. Food shortages have been reported in parts of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma due to market disruptions and transport blockades.

Hospitals in affected cities are overwhelmed. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that medical teams have treated hundreds of gunshot victims, many of whom were denied access to emergency care by security forces. Power outages and shortages of medical supplies have compounded the suffering, with doctors forced to perform surgeries without proper equipment.

The Red Cross has appealed for international assistance, stating that “Tanzania is facing one of its most severe internal crises in decades.”

Regional and International Reactions

The crisis in Tanzania has drawn condemnation from across Africa and beyond. The African Union (AU) has called for restraint, urging the government to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has proposed dispatching a fact-finding mission to Tanzania to assess the situation on the ground.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “deep concern” over the reported killings, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and an independent investigation. He stated, “The right to life and peaceful assembly are non-negotiable. The international community must not turn a blind eye to what is happening in Tanzania.”

The United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom have also issued statements condemning the violence. The U.S. State Department warned that continued repression could lead to sanctions, while the EU urged dialogue between the government and opposition “to prevent further bloodshed.”

Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania’s close neighbors, have expressed alarm over potential spillover effects, including refugee flows and cross-border instability. Both nations have offered to mediate between the government and opposition, although no official talks have yet been scheduled.

Opposition Leadership in Hiding

As the government intensifies its crackdown, several opposition leaders have reportedly gone underground. Freeman Mbowe, the CHADEMA party leader, is believed to be in hiding after his residence was raided by security forces. In a pre-recorded audio message circulated before the internet blackout, Mbowe called on citizens to remain peaceful but resolute, declaring, “They may silence the internet, but they cannot silence the truth.”

Other prominent activists have been detained, including Tundu Lissu, a former presidential candidate who narrowly survived an assassination attempt in 2017. Reports suggest he was arrested at his hotel in Dodoma on charges of “inciting public disorder.”

Opposition-aligned journalists, lawyers, and civil society members have also been targeted. Human rights defenders warn that Tanzania is descending into a full-blown authoritarian state, with the government treating dissent as treason.

Economic Fallout and Investor Anxiety

The ongoing turmoil has rattled Tanzania’s economy, long regarded as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing markets. The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange recorded its sharpest drop in two years as investor confidence plummeted. The tourism industry—already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic—has been hit particularly hard, with numerous cancellations and travel advisories issued by foreign governments.

The transport and logistics sectors have also been disrupted as key routes remain blocked by protests or military checkpoints. Experts warn that prolonged unrest could derail Tanzania’s economic growth trajectory and undermine major infrastructure projects, including those backed by China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Tanzanian shilling has depreciated sharply against the U.S. dollar, while fuel shortages and rising inflation threaten to exacerbate public anger. Local economists caution that “political instability may push the economy into recession if the crisis continues unchecked.”

The Role of Religion and Civil Society

Religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities have called for calm and reconciliation. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) and the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) issued a joint statement urging both sides to pursue peace through dialogue. “The shedding of Tanzanian blood must stop. We are one people, one nation. No political ambition is worth this suffering,” the statement read.

Civil society organizations, many of which have operated under strict government scrutiny, are working quietly to document human rights abuses and assist victims. However, many face intimidation, funding cuts, and legal restrictions under Tanzania’s stringent NGO regulations.

Possible Pathways Forward

Amid the bloodshed, calls for a political solution are growing louder. Analysts believe the only viable path forward involves immediate international mediation and the restoration of communications. Without transparency, mistrust will continue to fuel violence.

Proposed steps include:

1. Independent Election Audit: Conducted by the African Union and the United Nations to verify the integrity of the election results.

2. Humanitarian Access: Allowing the Red Cross and other agencies unrestricted access to affected areas.

3. Restoration of Internet and Press Freedom: Ensuring transparency and enabling the documentation of abuses.

4. National Dialogue: Bringing together the ruling party, opposition, civil society, and religious leaders to address grievances and discuss electoral reforms.

Failure to pursue these steps could push Tanzania further down a path of repression, isolation, and potential civil conflict.

The Human Cost: Voices from the Ground

Behind the numbers and political statements lie the stories of ordinary Tanzanians whose lives have been torn apart. In Dar es Salaam, a mother named Amina described how her 19-year-old son was shot during a protest and has been missing since. “I went to every hospital, every police station. They tell me nothing. I just want to know if my child is alive.”

In Arusha, a shopkeeper named Joseph said, “We thought democracy meant choosing our leaders. Now it feels like a crime to speak.” These voices echo across the nation, illustrating a collective trauma that will not easily fade.

Conclusion: Tanzania at a Crossroads

As the world watches, Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment in its post-independence history. The ongoing violence represents more than a political dispute—it is a test of the nation’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Whether the government chooses dialogue over dominance, and whether the international community acts decisively rather than rhetorically, will determine the future of millions.