Tanzania has begun easing restrictions imposed after last week’s violent elections, with authorities lifting a nationwide curfew and partially restoring internet access. The move comes after days of unrest that the opposition says left hundreds dead.
The electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the October 29 election with 98 percent of the vote, a result the opposition party Chadema dismissed as a “sham.”
An AFP correspondent reported a slow return to normalcy in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. Many residents cautiously resumed daily activities, though fear of renewed violence remained.
“I hope violence will not come again,” said Rehema Shehoza, a 32-year-old food vendor. “Some of us would die from hunger because I need to get out for work to get my daily bread.”
Police confirmed the lifting of the curfew imposed on election day, and public transportation gradually resumed after nearly a week of shutdown. Long queues formed at gas stations as fuel prices spiked, and motorbikes and tuk-tuks filled transport gaps.
Security forces remained visible across the city, though their presence had reduced compared to recent days. Internet connectivity returned intermittently, with graphic videos and images from the protests being shared on social media — none of which could be independently verified.
Authorities warned citizens against circulating “disturbing footage” that could cause panic or embarrassment.
A diplomatic source told AFP there were credible reports of “hundreds, perhaps even thousands,” of deaths recorded in hospitals and clinics across the country. Chadema said it had documented “no less than 800 deaths” by Saturday, though these figures could not be independently confirmed.
In her acceptance speech, President Hassan expressed sorrow over the violence and loss of life but did not provide details. She promised that the security and defence forces would investigate the incidents.
The diplomatic source added that security agencies allegedly used the internet blackout to track and detain opposition supporters suspected of recording videos of the unrest.
A Dar es Salaam resident told Human Rights Watch that her neighbour, who was not part of the protests, was shot dead by a man in civilian clothing outside his home on October 30.
While calm appears to be returning, fear and grief linger among citizens as Tanzania faces mounting pressure to investigate the alleged post-election atrocities and ensure accountability.
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