Authorities in Tanzania have issued a public warning against sharing disturbing images online, shortly after a nationwide internet shutdown was lifted, following violent protests linked to last week’s general election.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, claims it has recorded hundreds of fatalities after security forces clashed with demonstrators angered by the disqualification of key presidential challengers. The protests escalated on Wednesday, in the lead-up to the vote in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan—who first took office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli—was declared winner with about 98% of the national vote. She was sworn in again on Monday.
Hassan’s administration acknowledges that people died, but insists the opposition figures are inflated and misleading. Independent media, including Reuters, note that images circulating online showing alleged shooting victims cannot be independently authenticated.
Police Threaten Legal Charges
Just before connectivity was restored after a five-day blackout, mobile phone users across Tanzania received an official SMS from the police. The message warned citizens not to distribute photos or video clips that could “cause panic” or “degrade a person’s dignity” and stated that doing so constitutes a criminal offence. Individuals who violate the directive, the message said, could face “strict legal action”.
Tanzanian police did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the warning or on the alleged use of force during the unrest.
Meanwhile, a local sports consultancy, Viral Scout Management, posted on X that seven young footballers between the ages of 15 and 22, whom it represented, were shot and killed inside their homes during the unrest. Reuters said it could not independently verify these claims.
Authorities Reject Use-of-Force Allegations
By Tuesday, observers in Dar es Salaam reported that the capital had begun to return to normal, with fewer security forces visible on the streets and an election-day curfew no longer in effect.
President Hassan’s government has been widely criticised by human rights groups and opposition figures for what they describe as shrinking democratic space, mass arrests of critics and intimidation of opposition leaders. CHADEMA was excluded from the vote after refusing to sign the electoral Code of Conduct. The party’s leader was detained and charged with treason in April, while another major opposition presidential candidate was also disqualified by the electoral commission.
Although Hassan says her government upholds human rights and previously ordered an investigation into alleged abductions, no official report has been released to the public.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday called for an impartial inquiry into whether excessive force was used by Tanzanian security agencies during the protests. In response, the government maintains that the police acted lawfully to prevent vandalism, property damage and wider chaos.
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Source:Africa Publicity
