Tanzania's President Re-Elected Amid Widespread Violence

Tanzania's electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the general election with nearly 98% of the vote, extending her rule for another five years. However, the announcement was overshadowed by reported widespread violence, with hundreds killed and many more injured in a crackdown on protests that broke out during and after the vote. The main opposition party, Chadema, claims hundreds of people were killed in the three-day crackdown, while a diplomatic source cited reports of at least 500 deaths.

Key Takeaways:

• The Tanzanian electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the general election with nearly 98% of the vote.
• Hundreds of people were reportedly killed in a crackdown on protests that broke out during and after the vote, with Chadema claiming around 700 deaths and a diplomatic source citing at least 500 deaths.
• The opposition party claims that security forces acted with impunity, killing during night hours when witnesses were least present.
• The government has dismissed the casualty figures as exaggerated and has maintained that the situation is under control.
• A night-time curfew and internet blackout have been implemented, restricting access to information and limiting the ability of human rights workers to gather accurate casualty lists.
• Major public hospitals in Dar es Salaam have been overwhelmed with injured, with morgues reportedly full.
• Chadema officials claim that some opposition leaders have fled the country, stating that massacres are being carried out with impunity.

Statistics:

• 98% of the vote: the percentage of votes won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the general election.
• Around 700: the number of deaths claimed by Chadema, the main opposition party.
• At least 500: the number of deaths cited by a diplomatic source in Dar es Salaam.
• 3-day: the duration of the supposed crackdown on protests.
• 98%: The percentage of votes Hassan secured in the election.
• 5 years: the duration of President Suluhu's re-election.
• 700: The number of deaths claimed by Chadema.

Sources:

• A source at AFP, stating that "around 700" people had been shot dead or beaten to death by security forces.
• A diplomatic source in Dar es Salaam, citing "credible evidence" of at least 500 deaths.
• A statement by Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit on the unrest.
• A report by Reuters citing residents and human rights workers, stating that morgues were full and medical facilities overwhelmed.
• A source at Chadema, a Tanzanian opposition party.