Tanzania's Hassan declared winner in election marred by violence | REUTERS

Key Concepts

• Election Outcome: Samia Suluhu Hassan declared winner of Tanzania's presidential election.
• Protests and Violence: Deadly protests erupted due to the exclusion of main rivals.
• Opposition Claims: Hundreds killed in protests.
• UN Human Rights Office Findings: At least 10 killed in three cities.
• Government Response: Dismissed opposition death toll, rejected criticism, imposed curfew, restricted internet access.
• International Calls: UN Secretary-General calls for investigation into excessive force.

Election Results and Initial Reactions

Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the landslide winner of Tanzania's presidential election, securing a 5-year term. Hassan has been leading the East African nation of 68 million people since the death of her predecessor in 2021.

Protests and Allegations of Repression

The election's outcome triggered deadly protests beginning on Wednesday. Demonstrators expressed anger over the exclusion of Hassan's two main challengers by the electoral commission, which they characterized as a result of widespread repression.

Conflicting Casualty Figures

• Opposition Claims: Tanzania's main opposition party stated on Friday that hundreds of people had been killed in the protests.
• UN Human Rights Office: Safe Mango from the UN Human Rights Office reported credible indications of at least 10 deaths occurring in three different cities. Mango stated, "We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have t that have occurred in the ongoing election related protests in Tanzania."
• Government Stance: The Tanzanian government has dismissed the opposition's reported death toll as "hugely exaggerated" and has rejected criticisms regarding its human rights record.
• Independent Verification: Reuters was unable to independently verify the reported casualty figures.

International Response and Government Measures

• UN Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres has called for a "thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force."
• Government Actions: In response to the unrest, Tanzanian authorities have implemented a nationwide curfew for the past three nights and have restricted internet access across the country.