Approximately 700 Reportedly Killed in Tanzanian Election Protests, Opposition States

According to the primary opposition group, nearly 700 people have allegedly been killed during three days of voting clashes in Tanzania.

Clashes Breaks Out on Polling Day

Demonstrations erupted on Wednesday over what protesters described as the stifling of the opposition after the removal of prominent contenders from the election contest.

Fatality Figures Stated

A opposition spokesperson stated that numerous of civilians had been killed since the demonstrations commenced.

"Currently, the number of deaths in the port city is around 350 and for another city it is over 200. Added to figures from other places throughout the country, the overall figure is nearly 700," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that the death count could be much higher because deaths could be happening during a nighttime restriction that was imposed from Wednesday.

Other Estimates

• A security insider reportedly mentioned there had been reports of more than 500 deaths, "perhaps 700-800 in the whole country."
• The human rights organization stated it had received reports that a minimum of 100 civilians had been killed.
• The opposition asserted their estimates had been compiled by a team of party members attending medical facilities and medical centers and "documenting dead bodies."

Calls for Change

The opposition urged the government to "halt targeting our protesters" and called for a transitional government to enable just and transparent polls.

"Stop violence. Honor the choice of the public which is fair elections," the spokesperson said.

Authorities Response

Authorities reacted by implementing a curfew. Internet disruption were also reported, with global observers reporting it was countrywide.

On Thursday, the military leader condemned the violence and called the activists "lawbreakers". The official said law enforcement would attempt to control the unrest.

International Reaction

United Nations human rights office stated it was "alarmed" by the casualties in the unrest, mentioning it had gathered reports that no fewer than 10 people had been killed by law enforcement.

The organization reported it had collected credible accounts of deaths in Dar es Salaam, in a northwestern region and an eastern area, with security forces discharging live ammunition and chemical irritants to disperse protesters.

Legal Perspective

A human rights lawyer remarked it was "unacceptable" for law enforcement to use force, noting that the nation's president "ought to cease deploying the law enforcement against the public."

"She needs to listen to the public. The sentiment of the country is that there was no fair vote … The people cannot vote for only one option," the advocate said.