Based on the leading rival group, around 700 individuals have supposedly lost their lives during 72 hours of election-related unrest in Tanzania.
Clashes Erupts on Polling Day
Uprisings broke out on election day over claims that demonstrators called the stifling of the rival camp after the removal of prominent candidates from the presidential ballot.
Death Estimates Claimed
An rival official declared that numerous of individuals had been killed since the protests commenced.
"As we speak, the number of deaths in the port city is approximately 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Combined with estimates from other regions across the nation, the final number is around 700," the official stated.
The spokesperson added that the number could be significantly greater because deaths may be taking place during a nighttime curfew that was imposed from Wednesday.
Further Reports
- An official insider supposedly stated there had been reports of more than 500 dead, "perhaps 700-800 in the entire nation."
- Amnesty International said it had received data that a minimum of 100 individuals had been killed.
- The opposition claimed their figures had been compiled by a team of party members visiting clinics and health centers and "counting fatalities."
Demands for Action
The opposition urged the administration to "cease harming our protesters" and requested a interim administration to pave the way for just and transparent polls.
"Halt excessive force. Uphold the will of the citizens which is fair elections," the spokesperson said.
Government Response
Authorities reacted by implementing a curfew. Internet disruption were also noted, with international monitors indicating it was nationwide.
The following day, the military leader condemned the clashes and referred to the demonstrators "lawbreakers". The official stated authorities would attempt to manage the crisis.
International Concern
The UN human rights office stated it was "worried" by the casualties in the demonstrations, noting it had obtained reports that no fewer than 10 civilians had been slain by security forces.
The organization stated it had received reliable information of casualties in Dar es Salaam, in Shinyanga and Morogoro, with officials using live ammunition and chemical irritants to scatter protesters.
Expert View
An human rights attorney claimed it was "unacceptable" for law enforcement to employ violence, adding that the country's president "ought to avoid sending the police against the civilians."
"The president must heed the people. The sentiment of the country is that there was no election … The people are unable to choose a single contender," the lawyer stated.
