Dar es Salaam: At least 700 people have been killed across Tanzania in three days of violent protests following the disputed national election, the main opposition party Chadema claimed on Friday. The unrest erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared victory in a highly contested poll marked by the detention and disqualification of her main challengers.
Hassan, who sought a decisive win to consolidate power and silence internal critics within her ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), now faces the gravest crisis of her presidency.
According to reports, crowds in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and several other cities took to the streets soon after the polls closed, tearing down campaign posters, clashing with security forces, and attacking polling stations. The government swiftly imposed a nationwide curfew and cut internet access, plunging the country into an information blackout now entering its third day.
With foreign journalists banned from covering the election and limited communication channels, independent verification of the death toll has been difficult.
Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP that violent clashes were continuing in several regions.
“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and in Mwanza over 200. Added to figures from other parts of the country, the total stands around 700,” Kitoka said.
“The actual number could be much higher, as killings may be happening during curfew hours,” he warned.
A security source also told AFP that reports indicated “over 500 dead, maybe 700–800 in the whole country,” while a diplomatic source confirmed “hundreds of deaths.”
By contrast, the United Nations reported “credible information” of at least 10 fatalities, and Amnesty International said it had confirmed over 100 deaths. Local hospitals and clinics reportedly refused to speak to the media, fearing government reprisal.
President Hassan has not yet issued any statement on the unfolding violence, and most local news outlets have not updated their platforms since Wednesday.
The only official comment came from Army Chief Jacob Mkunda, who dismissed protesters as “criminals.”
Zanzibar Tensions and Election Dispute
In Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region and major tourist hub, the ruling CCM was declared the winner of local elections on Thursday — a result immediately rejected by opposition party ACT-Wazalendo.
“They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice. The only way to deliver justice is through a fresh election,” ACT-Wazalendo said in a statement.
Opposition representatives alleged ballot stuffing, multiple voting without ID, and the expulsion of election observers from counting rooms.
Locals in Zanzibar described an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
“There has never been a credible election since 1995,” said a 70-year-old resident, referring to the country’s first multi-party vote. “We are afraid to speak because they might come to our houses and pick us up,” another added.
Political Crackdown and Power Struggles
President Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor John Magufuli, has faced internal dissent from factions loyal to the former leader and sections of the military. Analysts say she sought a commanding electoral victory to assert her control.
The main opposition party Chadema was banned from contesting, and its leader was charged with treason ahead of the polls. Rights groups have condemned what they describe as a “wave of terror” in the run-up to the vote, including abductions of opposition members and activists.
Public anger has also reportedly turned toward Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who has been accused by protesters of orchestrating the crackdown on dissent.
While ACT-Wazalendo was allowed to run in the Zanzibar local elections, its presidential candidate was barred from competing on the mainland — a move widely seen as an attempt to prevent a unified opposition challenge.
As protests continue under curfew and with communication channels blocked, the true extent of the death toll and destruction remains uncertain.