Approximately 700 Reportedly Slain in Tanzania Poll Demonstrations, Opposition Declares

Based on the leading opposition faction, roughly 700 people have reportedly died during 72 hours of voting protests in Tanzania.

Violence Erupts on Polling Day

Demonstrations started on Wednesday over what protesters described as the stifling of the rival camp after the removal of key hopefuls from the presidential ballot.

Casualty Numbers Claimed

An opposition spokesperson stated that hundreds of people had been lost their lives since the unrest began.

"As we speak, the fatality count in the port city is approximately 350 and for another city it is 200-plus. Including estimates from elsewhere throughout the country, the overall number is about 700," he stated.

The spokesperson mentioned that the number could be even larger because killings may be occurring during a nighttime restriction that was enforced from Wednesday.

Other Estimates

• An official source reportedly stated there had been accounts of exceeding 500 fatalities, "perhaps 700-800 in the whole country."
• Amnesty International stated it had received data that a minimum of 100 people had been slain.
• The opposition asserted their estimates had been compiled by a team of activists going to medical facilities and medical centers and "tallying dead bodies."

Calls for Change

Rival officials demanded the government to "cease killing our protesters" and demanded a caretaker administration to facilitate free and fair votes.

"Halt police brutality. Honor the will of the public which is democratic rights," the spokesperson declared.

Government Reaction

Authorities reacted by imposing a curfew. Online restrictions were also observed, with global observers indicating it was countrywide.

On Thursday, the military leader denounced the clashes and labeled the activists "lawbreakers". He announced authorities would try to contain the situation.

International Concern

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated it was "deeply concerned" by the fatalities and harm in the demonstrations, adding it had obtained information that at least 10 people had been slain by security forces.

The office stated it had received trustworthy reports of fatalities in the port city, in Shinyanga and an eastern area, with security forces discharging real bullets and teargas to break up demonstrators.

Legal View

An human rights lawyer stated it was "unacceptable" for law enforcement to resort to arms, noting that the country's president "should avoid sending the law enforcement against the people."

"The president must listen to the people. The sentiment of the nation is that there was no election … We are unable to vote for one candidate," the advocate said.