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Hassan, Samia Suluhu

Tanzania Election Protests Leave Hundreds Dead

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hundreds of people have been killed in election protests in Tanzania, with the opposition party Chadema citing a death toll of around 700 since Friday. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 97.66 percent of the vote, but the contest was widely seen as a coronation after her main rivals were barred or prevented from running. The government has responded to the protests with a communications blackout and a nighttime curfew, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces continuing in the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam.

Key Takeaways:

  • The opposition party Chadema has reported a death toll of around 700 since Friday, with 350 deaths in Dar es Salaam and 200-plus in Mwanza.
  • The UN has reported "credible reports" of 10 dead, while Amnesty International has information of at least 100 killed.
  • The government has imposed a communications blackout and a nighttime curfew in response to the protests.
  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 97.66 percent of the vote, but the contest was widely seen as a coronation after her main rivals were barred or prevented from running.
  • Chadema was barred from taking part in the election and its leader put on trial for treason.
  • Much public anger has been directed at Hassan's son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused of overseeing the crackdown.

Statistics:

  • 97.66 percent: The percentage of the vote won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
  • 700: The reported death toll since Friday, according to Chadema.
  • 350: The number of deaths in Dar es Salaam, according to Chadema.
  • 200-plus: The number of deaths in Mwanza, according to Chadema.
  • 87 percent: The turnout at poll stations, according to the electoral commission.
  • 16: The number of candidates from smaller parties that faced President Hassan in the election.

Sources:

  • Chadema, the main opposition party, as cited by AFP.
  • AFP news agency, quoting a security source and a diplomatic source.
  • The UN, releasing "credible reports" of 10 dead.
  • Amnesty International, citing information of at least 100 killed.
  • Army chief Jacob Mkunda, in an official statement calling protesters "criminals."
  • Hamis Mbeto, spokesman for Hassan's Revolution Party (Chama Cha Mapinduzi: CCM) in Zanzibar.

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