Tanzania Opposition Says 700 Killed in Election Protests Amid Internet Blackout

Around 700 people have been killed in three days of violent protests following Tanzania’s disputed elections, the main opposition party said on Friday, as unrest continued under an Internet blackout.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who sought to tighten her grip on power with a sweeping victory in Wednesday’s vote, faced mass demonstrations after opposition candidates were jailed or disqualified.

The protests, which erupted across Dar es Salaam and other major cities, saw crowds tear down campaign posters and attack polling stations. Authorities responded with a nationwide curfew and an Internet shutdown now in its third day, leaving information from the ground scarce.

Chadema spokesman John Kitoka told AFP that at least 700 people had been killed nationwide, including 350 in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza. “The death toll could be much higher,” he said, warning that more killings may be taking place during the night curfew.

A security source also estimated between 700 and 800 deaths across the country, while a diplomatic source confirmed “hundreds of deaths.” The UN cited “credible reports” of 10 fatalities — the first official international figure — while Amnesty International reported at least 100.

Hospitals and clinics have largely refused to speak publicly, citing fear of reprisal. President Hassan has not commented, and local media outlets have not updated their sites since Wednesday.

Army chief Jacob Mkunda, in the only official statement so far, called protesters “criminals.” In Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region, a ruling party spokesman said Internet access would be restored “when the situation calms.”

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party was declared the winner of the Zanzibar local election on Thursday, but opposition group ACT-Wazalendo rejected the result, alleging ballot-stuffing, multiple voting, and intimidation of observers.

“They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice,” ACT-Wazalendo said in a statement, calling for a fresh vote.

President Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, has faced resistance from within her party and the military. Rights groups say the election period was marked by abductions, intimidation, and a “wave of terror.” Much of the public anger has reportedly focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused by opponents of directing the crackdown.