Tanzanian President Hassan Claims Victory Amid Violent Protests

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a commanding victory in the recent presidential election, with official results indicating she garnered 97.66 percent of the vote. The announcement came amid a backdrop of escalating violence and protests that erupted on election day, March 15, 2024. The opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from participating in the election, claims that security forces have killed hundreds of protesters since the unrest began.

The National Electoral Commission announced Hassan’s victory on state television, stating she dominated every constituency. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place shortly. This election followed the unexpected death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021, which led to Hassan’s rise from vice president to president.

The situation has prompted grave concerns from international observers. Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, expressed deep concern over reports of violence and loss of life during demonstrations. His spokesperson issued a statement highlighting the need for accountability and protection of human rights in Tanzania.

Escalation of Violence and Government Response

In the wake of the election, protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators reportedly tearing down posters of Hassan and clashing with police at polling stations. The government responded with a heavy security presence, which included a nationwide internet shutdown and curfews aimed at controlling the unrest. A spokesperson for Chadema indicated that approximately 700 people had been killed based on information gathered from hospitals and health clinics. Both a security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam corroborated that deaths were likely “in the hundreds.”

Rights organizations have accused Hassan’s administration of presiding over a “wave of terror,” including a series of high-profile abductions in the lead-up to the election. Despite the unrest, Hassan has remained silent, with no public statements made since the protests began. The government has denied allegations of using excessive force against demonstrators.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, stated that the government has no confirmed figures regarding fatalities. He asserted, “Currently, no excessive force has been used,” contradicting reports from various human rights groups.

Public Sentiment and Allegations of Brutality

Public anger has been directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who is alleged to have overseen the crackdown on protesters. While there have been unverified reports of some military personnel siding with demonstrators, Jacob Mkunda, the army chief, publicly condemned the protesters, labeling them as “criminals.”

The unrest has severely restricted information flow within Tanzania. News websites have not updated since early Wednesday, and journalists are facing significant barriers to operating freely. The government’s tightening grip on communication has made it challenging for the public to receive accurate information amidst the chaos.

As Tanzania moves forward under Hassan’s leadership, the international community watches closely, awaiting developments regarding human rights and the political climate in the country.