Sign in Subscribe
Elections

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins Landslide Election Amid Bloody Unrest

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Violent protests and widespread unrest marred Tanzania's national elections, resulting in reports of hundreds of deaths and thousands injured. President Hassan, the head of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, won 95% of the vote, according to state media, as the main opposition parties boycotted the election due to their top candidates being in jail or barred from running. The country remains on high alert, with a curfew in place and limited access to information and the internet.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reports indicate that hundreds of people died in violent clashes between protesters and security forces, with estimates ranging from "in the hundreds" to 700 by the opposition party Chadema.
  • Opposition party Chadema claimed that security forces had killed about 700 people since the election, while a security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam estimated the number of deaths was "in the hundreds."
  • The UN Human Rights Office confirmed at least 10 deaths in three cities, marking the first international reports of fatalities.
  • President Hassan has remained silent on the issue, with her government denying claims of excessive force and opposing party figures barred from running.
  • Authorities have implemented a curfew across the country, restricted journalists' access, and cut off internet access to curb the spread of information and reports.
  • International leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and foreign ministers from the UK, Canada, and Norway, have expressed concern and called for a full investigation into the alleged use of excessive force.

Statistics:

  • 95%: The percentage of the vote won by President Hassan according to state media.
  • 700: The number of deaths claimed by opposition party Chadema.
  • "In the hundreds": The estimated number of deaths reported by a security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam.
  • 10+: The number of deaths confirmed by the UN Human Rights Office in three cities.

Sources:

  • Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
  • United Nations Human Rights Office
  • Opposition party Chadema
  • Tanzanian government (quoted in state media)

Read more