The United Nations voiced alarm on Friday after reports emerged that security forces had killed at least 10 protesters in Tanzania during demonstrations sparked by this week's national vote. Seif Magango, speaking for the UN Human Rights Office, outlined multiple alleged abuses in an official statement as tensions mounted following the Oct. 29 election. Opposition groups rejected the results and organized street demonstrations, prompting authorities to deploy force and shut down internet services across the nation.
Magango specified that fatalities occurred in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro when police fired weapons and tear gas to break up crowds. The governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi party claimed victory amid accusations from critics who say officials systematically silenced dissent before voting day through arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and alleged forced disappearances. The UN maintained that deploying excessive force, implementing a blanket curfew and blocking internet connections without justification breached Tanzania's commitments under global human rights treaties. International officials demanded immediate restoration of online access.
Magango specified that fatalities occurred in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro when police fired weapons and tear gas to break up crowds. The governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi party claimed victory amid accusations from critics who say officials systematically silenced dissent before voting day through arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and alleged forced disappearances. The UN maintained that deploying excessive force, implementing a blanket curfew and blocking internet connections without justification breached Tanzania's commitments under global human rights treaties. International officials demanded immediate restoration of online access.
