Tanzania's Election Crisis: Chaos, Protests, and an Internet Blackout
Tanzania is grappling with a post-election crisis, marked by mass protests, violent clashes, and an ongoing internet blackout. According to several sources, the unrest follows a heated presidential and legislative election, which is widely expected to see President Samia Suluhu Hassan retain power amid allegations of opposition candidates being barred from the race.
Background
President Hassan, who ascended to power following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021, has faced her first electoral test in this election. The exclusion of key opposition figures has stirred public outrage, leading to widespread demonstrations in a country that has not witnessed such civil unrest in over 65 years.
Election Day Unrest
The election day was marred by violence and chaos, with Tanzanian police firing shots and tear gas at protesters. Hundreds of people took to the streets of Dar es Salaam, defiantly protesting against the election results despite a nationwide curfew imposed by the government.
The government responded by deploying the military, shutting down the internet, and ordering government workers and students to stay home. Protests have since spread across the country, with Tanzanian protesters even crossing into Kenya.
Civil society groups in Tanzania have called for the nullification of Wednesday's general election and the formation of an inclusive transitional arrangement, saying the vote was neither free nor competitive after top opposition contenders were locked out of the race,
reports AllAfrica.com.
Fatalities and Injuries
The violent clashes have resulted in casualties, with two men aged 27 and 28 reportedly killed by police bullets. Scores of people have also been injured at the Namanga border, according to the Daily Nation.
Impact on Businesses
The nationwide unrest and the internet shutdown have had a significant impact on businesses, paralysing cargo clearance at Namanga, a key point of trade between Tanzania and Kenya.
International Response and Current Status
The international community remains watchful of the situation, with concerns over the escalating violence and the infringement on democratic rights.
As the country contends with the ongoing crisis, it remains to be seen whether the Tanzanian government can restore calm and reclaim its image as a peaceful, stable nation, as it continues to enforce sweeping security measures to quell the unrest.
The government remains silent, and the internet blackout continues, leaving the country in a tense standoff as it awaits the final election results.