: Hundreds feared dead as protests rock Tanzania after election

Hundreds of people have been reportedly killed in Tanzania during three days of violent protests that followed Wednesday’s general election.

According to a spokesperson for the main opposition party, Chadema, “around 700 people” have died in clashes with security forces.

However, an ongoing nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to confirm the true number of casualties.

A diplomatic source in Tanzania told the BBC there was credible evidence that at least 500 people have been killed.

The protests, which have spread across major cities are being led mostly by young people accusing the government of rigging the election.

Many say the election was unfair since key opposition candidates were not allowed to contest against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came to power in 2021 after the death of her predecessor.

Demonstrations continued on Friday in Dar es Salaam, especially in the areas of Salasala, Yombo, and Tegeta, despite a warning from the army chief for protesters to end the unrest.