As per the chief rival party, approximately 700 individuals have allegedly lost their lives during a three-day period of election-related demonstrations in Tanzania.
Unrest Begins on Voting Day
Demonstrations commenced on Wednesday over allegations that activists described as the stifling of the rival camp after the removal of major contenders from the election contest.
Casualty Figures Stated
An rival spokesperson announced that hundreds of individuals had been lost their lives since the protests commenced.
"At present, the number of deaths in the port city is around 350 and for another city it is 200-plus. Including numbers from other places across the nation, the overall number is about 700," the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson noted that the toll could be much higher because deaths might be taking place during a nighttime curfew that was implemented from election day.
Additional Estimates
- An official source allegedly mentioned there had been accounts of more than 500 fatalities, "perhaps 700-800 in the whole country."
- Amnesty International said it had gathered information that at least 100 individuals had been slain.
- The opposition asserted their figures had been collected by a group of supporters attending clinics and health centers and "tallying fatalities."
Calls for Action
Rival officials urged the authorities to "stop targeting our demonstrators" and demanded a interim government to enable just and transparent elections.
"End excessive force. Respect the voice of the public which is democratic rights," the spokesperson stated.
Authorities Response
Officials responded by enforcing a lockdown. Online restrictions were also reported, with global watchdogs stating it was countrywide.
The following day, the army chief criticized the violence and labeled the protesters "lawbreakers". The official announced security forces would attempt to contain the unrest.
Global Response
United Nations human rights office said it was "alarmed" by the casualties in the demonstrations, noting it had gathered reports that a minimum of 10 individuals had been slain by law enforcement.
The office mentioned it had obtained reliable accounts of fatalities in the port city, in Shinyanga and Morogoro, with law enforcement using live ammunition and teargas to break up demonstrators.
Expert View
An civil rights lawyer remarked it was "unacceptable" for security agencies to resort to arms, adding that the country's leader "must refrain from deploying the law enforcement against the civilians."
"The president needs to heed the people. The mood of the nation is that there was an unfair process … We cannot choose a single contender," the lawyer stated.
