Tensions flared across Tanzania on Friday as violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in Dar es Salaam following widespread allegations of electoral fraud in Wednesday’s national vote. The unrest, which has now spread to several regions, has forced the government to deploy the military and shut down internet access nationwide.
The protests began after the opposition rejected preliminary results from the National Electoral Commission, particularly in semi-autonomous Zanzibar, where incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi was declared the winner with 78.8% of the vote. Opposition parties denounced the tally as “massively rigged,” claiming the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) had “robbed Tanzanians of a real choice” after several opposition candidates were disqualified ahead of the polls.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos in Dar es Salaam, where demonstrators set vehicles, police posts, and a gas station ablaze. Security forces responded with tear gas and arrests as the protests entered a third consecutive day.
A security source confirmed to AFP that the army has been mobilized to assist police operations in quelling the unrest. The government has yet to release official figures on casualties, though Amnesty International reported at least two deaths during Wednesday’s demonstrations. Opposition sources abroad claim higher tolls, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent and detaining activists.
With tensions mounting, the government has postponed the reopening of universities scheduled for Monday. Army Chief Gen. Jacob John Mkunda condemned the violence and assured citizens that the military “will work with other security agencies to contain the situation.”
As state media continues to announce results favoring the ruling CCM, opposition figures have vowed to “announce their next steps soon,” warning that the crisis could deepen unless dialogue is urgently initiated. Many Tanzanians fear the standoff may spiral into a prolonged confrontation if calls for transparency are ignored.
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