Protests Continue in Tanzania After Disputed Election

Protests entered a second day in Tanzania on Thursday following a disputed national election, with Amnesty International reporting at least two deaths amid escalating unrest.

Demonstrations began Wednesday after the government barred the two main opposition presidential candidates, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan to face 16 largely unknown contenders. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence in 1961, is seeking to extend its six-decade rule.

Authorities responded to the protests by shutting down the internet, imposing a curfew, and deploying the military across major cities, including Dar es Salaam, where violence and vandalism were reported at polling centers and public facilities.

Amnesty International confirmed that a civilian and a police officer were killed during Wednesday’s clashes and called for an investigation into the use of force by security agencies.

The government ordered public servants to work from home and set up roadblocks nationwide, allowing only essential workers to move freely. Ferry services to Zanzibar were suspended as its electoral body prepared to announce results.

Turnout in Wednesday’s vote was reportedly low, and tension remains high as opposition supporters denounce the election as a sham designed to entrench CCM’s dominance.