The BRICS TimesTanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo rejected all allegations. He stated the government has no record of these deaths. He also denied any use of excessive force.
Samia Suluhu Hassan achieved a huge victory in the Tanzanian presidential election. However, her win coincided with severe violence. The presidential election quickly turned into a bloody conflict. International media reports suggest the main opposition party made a shocking claim. They allege hundreds died in protests after this week’s disputed elections.
The United Nations (UN) stated they have “credible reports” of at least 10 fatalities. Authorities shut down the internet. They also deployed a large number of troops across the nation. A curfew is currently enforced in the region. The situation remains volatile from Zanzibar to Dodoma. Amidst these events, the UN has pleaded for an end to the use of force.
What Did the Opposition Spokesman Say?
The Chadema party is Tanzania’s main opposition group. Their spokesman, John Kitoka, presented alarming figures. He claimed, “‘As we speak the figure for deaths in Dar (es Salaam) is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700 deaths.'”
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo dismissed these serious accusations. He stated directly that the government has no data on these fatalities. He also clearly denied the use of any excessive force. Kombo disputed the opposition’s claims of hundreds of deaths on Friday. He said, “‘Currently, no excessive force has been used. I haven’t seen these 700 people anywhere. There is no number until now of any protesters killed.'”
Police and Army Deployed to Curb Riots
Police and the army were deployed in major cities after the Wednesday election. Their goal was to prevent further riots. Tanzania is usually seen as a very peaceful nation. Yet, soldiers are now patrolling the streets following the election. There are also scattered reports of gunfire.
Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Chama Cha Mapinduzi party faced rigging accusations in this general election. This is where the violence began. As soon as the results were announced, people took to the streets. Demonstrations happened in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Dodoma. Protestors tore down posters and attacked police stations. Clashes with police were also reported. The environment quickly became violent.
