Tanzanian opposition supporters staged protests in multiple cities after condemning the presidential and parliamentary elections held on Wednesday as illegitimate. Hundreds of demonstrators entered Kenya and blocked highways while burning materials and removing images of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Kenyan authorities reported two fatalities among people escaping confrontations with Tanzanian security forces.
The electoral commission began releasing vote counts on Thursday that showed Hassan receiving approximately 95 percent support in southwestern Mbea province. She leads in numerous other districts across the mainland and Zanzibar. European Union representatives characterized the electoral process as fraudulent and stated irregularities developed over several months.
Military commander Gen. Jacob Mkunda attributed violence and destruction to individuals seeking to harm the nation. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in Mwanza, while clashes erupted in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. The American diplomatic mission noted that roads to the international airport remained blocked on Thursday.
Authorities instructed government workers to remain home through Friday as unrest continued. Amnesty International expressed concern about reports of civilian and police deaths on Wednesday. Hassan appears positioned to win another term after officials prevented opposition candidates from participating in the race.
The electoral commission began releasing vote counts on Thursday that showed Hassan receiving approximately 95 percent support in southwestern Mbea province. She leads in numerous other districts across the mainland and Zanzibar. European Union representatives characterized the electoral process as fraudulent and stated irregularities developed over several months.
Military commander Gen. Jacob Mkunda attributed violence and destruction to individuals seeking to harm the nation. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in Mwanza, while clashes erupted in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. The American diplomatic mission noted that roads to the international airport remained blocked on Thursday.
Authorities instructed government workers to remain home through Friday as unrest continued. Amnesty International expressed concern about reports of civilian and police deaths on Wednesday. Hassan appears positioned to win another term after officials prevented opposition candidates from participating in the race.
