By Staff Reporter
The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern over the growing number of deaths and injuries resulting from ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania.
The demonstrations, which erupted on Wednesday as voting took place, were sparked by anger over the exclusion of the two main challengers to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
According to the main opposition party, around 700 people have been killed across the country — a figure the government has dismissed as “isolated incidents.” However, UN Human Rights spokesperson Seif Magango said the organization had received reports from “credible sources” confirming at least 10 deaths.
“We call on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal weapons, against protesters, and to make every effort to de-escalate tensions,” Magango stated. He urged demonstrators to maintain peace during their protests.
Amnesty International has also voiced concern, reporting that at least 100 people may have been killed in the unrest.
A nighttime curfew remains in effect in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, while internet access has been severely disrupted.
Magango called on Tanzanian authorities to honor their obligations under international human rights law, stressing that communication channels must be restored immediately.
“They must promptly reinstate access to the internet and facilitate citizens’ full enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” he said, warning that suppressing communication would only erode public trust in the electoral process.
The UN further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained during the protests.
The post-election violence follows a campaign period marked by accusations of arbitrary arrests and harassment of opposition figures. President Hassan has denied allegations of widespread human rights violations.
