Tanzania Faces Turmoil After Disputed Presidential Election
Tanzania is in the grip of unrest following the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who reportedly secured over 97% of the votes in an election many view as controversial. Hours after the announcement, violent protests erupted nationwide, leading to hundreds of casualties, with reports suggesting around 700 people may have died in the ensuing chaos. The opposition has rejected the election results, accusing the government of suppressing dissent by jailing leaders and silencing critics. In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed a curfew and an internet blackout, while international observers and organizations, including the UN, called for investigations into human rights abuses during the protests. The political climate remains tense as calls for calm are made amidst fears of further violence.
NPR, BBC, Al Jazeera, U.S. Embassy in Tanzania (.gov), Reuters, CNN, The New York Times, Yahoo, The Guardian, The Washington Post