Tanzania Election Unrest: Civil Society Groups Demand Cancellation

Strategic Insights -

Tanzanian civil society groups are calling for the annulment of Wednesday's general election, citing a lack of free and competitive voting process after top opposition candidates were barred from the race. The demand comes as police in Dar es Salaam fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse crowds, defying a night curfew imposed after violent demonstrations. Protesters rallied in several neighborhoods, accusing the government of tightening repression and rigging the election. The unrest, which began on Wednesday, has resulted in reported deaths and disruptions to internet access nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The civil society groups in Tanzania have demanded the cancellation of the general election, citing a lack of free and competitive voting process.
  • Police in Dar es Salaam fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse crowds, defying a night curfew imposed after violent demonstrations.
  • Protesters rallied in several neighborhoods, accusing the government of tightening repression and rigging the election.
  • There are reports of at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam alone, although this number has not been independently verified.
  • International flights to and from Dar es Salaam have been cancelled, and airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro have been closed.
  • Tanzanian human rights activist Tito Magoti said that the protests are a sign that the long-held view of Tanzanians as non-confrontational is being challenged.
  • The walkie-talkie app Zello is being used by protesters to discuss fresh actions, including marches on government offices.
  • The state broadcaster TBC began airing provisional presidential results showing President Samia Suluhu Hassan with overwhelming margins in multiple constituencies.

Statistics:

  • At least 10 deaths reported in Dar es Salaam alone (according to a diplomatic source).
  • Over 7 million people living in Dar es Salaam (BBC).
  • Internet access heavily disrupted nationwide.
  • International flights to and from Dar es Salaam cancelled by Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
  • Airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro closed.

Sources:

  • Capital FM (2023)
  • BBC
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).