Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, says around 700 people have been killed in protests following this week’s disputed elections. The party said its members gathered the figures from hospitals nationwide.
The United Nations has reported a much lower toll, saying credible sources confirmed at least 10 deaths linked to security forces. UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango called on Tanzanian authorities to avoid the use of excessive or lethal force and urged efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The protests began in Dar-es-Salaam on Wednesday after elections in which two major opposition candidates were disqualified. Demonstrators have clashed with police, set vehicles and buildings on fire, and defied curfews in several parts of the country. The government has deployed the army and cut internet access as unrest continues.
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ruling CCM party has been declared the winner amid widespread criticism of the vote’s credibility. Rights groups say the polls were marked by intimidation, arrests, and a crackdown on opposition members, journalists, and activists.
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