Tanzanian cities faced renewed unrest on Thursday as demonstrators challenged election results showing President Samia Suluhu Hassan winning nearly 95 percent of the votes in Mbeya province. Armed forces fired weapons in Mwanza while security personnel blocked major thoroughfares in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam.
European Union observers labeled the electoral process fraudulent after officials barred leading opposition candidates from participating in the election. Main challenger Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on allegations of treason, while authorities disqualified Luhaga Mpina due to procedural violations.
Protesters crossed into Kenya at the Namanga border post, where one death was reported amid violent confrontations. Government offices closed through Friday as hospitals treated casualties from clashes that killed at least one civilian and one officer on Wednesday.
Authorities imposed evening restrictions in Dar es Salaam and severed internet access nationwide. Amnesty International condemned the communications blackout and urged officials to restore information channels as Hassan moves toward securing a second term as president.
European Union observers labeled the electoral process fraudulent after officials barred leading opposition candidates from participating in the election. Main challenger Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on allegations of treason, while authorities disqualified Luhaga Mpina due to procedural violations.
Protesters crossed into Kenya at the Namanga border post, where one death was reported amid violent confrontations. Government offices closed through Friday as hospitals treated casualties from clashes that killed at least one civilian and one officer on Wednesday.
Authorities imposed evening restrictions in Dar es Salaam and severed internet access nationwide. Amnesty International condemned the communications blackout and urged officials to restore information channels as Hassan moves toward securing a second term as president.
