Fresh protests have erupted in major cities across Tanzania, a day after elections marred by clashes between opposition supporters and security forces.
Gunfire was reported in the northern city of Mwanza on Thursday, while confrontations between demonstrators and police also broke out in the capital, Dodoma. In Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub, heavy security presence and roadblocks brought parts of the city to a standstill as authorities moved to contain unrest.
Protesters are accusing the government of undermining democracy following the jailing of the main opposition leader and the disqualification of another key opposition figure from the presidential race — developments seen as strengthening President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s path to re-election.
The electoral commission has begun releasing results, with President Hassan securing nearly 95% of the vote in the south-western Mbea region. Opposition groups have rejected the process, alleging irregularities and voter suppression.
Security agencies have not yet commented on the reported gunfire or the scale of arrests, but tensions remain high as vote counting continues and more results are expected in the coming hours.
Leave feedback about this