Tanzania is witnessing a third straight day of nationwide protests as demonstrators defy military orders to end what they describe as a crackdown on democracy following Wednesday’s disputed elections.
Thousands of young people have flooded major cities, accusing the government of manipulating the polls to secure President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s continued rule under the long-dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Opposition figures, including key rivals who were barred or jailed, were unable to contest the vote.
Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew and extended an internet blackout, making it difficult to confirm reports of casualties. However, the UN says at least 10 people have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces.
“We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries in the ongoing election-related protests,” said UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango, citing credible reports from the ground. Amnesty International also raised concerns, noting that communication blackouts have prevented independent verification of the death toll.
Despite the escalating violence, the government has sought to downplay the situation, while the electoral commission has so far released results from 80 of the country’s 100 regions, with President Samia expected to retain power.
Tanzania’s army chief, General Jacob John Mkunda, warned on state television that the protests would not be tolerated, calling the demonstrators “criminals” and vowing to restore order. Yet, protesters returned to the streets of Dar es Salaam and other cities on Friday, undeterred by the threat of military intervention.
In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago, incumbent president Hussein Mwinyi of CCM was declared the winner with nearly 80% of the vote. The opposition described the result as “massive fraud,” with reports of stranded tourists as protests disrupted travel.
The unrest stems from allegations that the government has systematically suppressed opposition voices. Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody on treason charges he denies, while another key contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified on what critics call politically motivated grounds.
President Samia, who became Tanzania’s first female leader in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, was initially praised for reopening political space. However, activists now accuse her administration of tightening control through intimidation, arrests, and disappearances of critics.
As tensions rise, religious leaders like Chief Muslim Cleric Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally have urged worshippers to stay home for Friday prayers, warning that the situation could spiral into further violence before the final results are announced on Saturday.