![\"\"](\"https:\/\/panoramanews.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot_20251101-080514-300x166.jpg\")
\nPHOTO: AFP
\nBy James<\/p>\n
\nPHOTO: AFP
\nBy James<\/p>\n
A coup scare is sweeping across Tanzania as violent protests following this week\u2019s presidential election have left at least 700 people dead, according to the opposition party Chadema. The unrest erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured another term in an election widely condemned as a sham, with her main challengers either jailed or barred from contesting.<\/p>\n
Chadema spokesman John Kitoka said the death toll continues to rise amid a nationwide internet blackout and curfew. \u201cAs we speak, deaths in Dar es Salaam are around 350, and over 200 in Mwanza. Across the country, the total figure is about 700,\u201d he told reporters, warning that more killings were likely occurring under the cover of night.<\/p>\n
The protests broke out shortly after Wednesday\u2019s election results were announced, with crowds tearing down campaign posters, clashing with security forces, and attacking polling stations. The government imposed a curfew and cut internet access as security forces moved in to suppress the demonstrations.<\/p>\n
Foreign journalists have been largely barred from entering the country, making independent verification difficult. A security source told AFP that the real number of casualties might be as high as 800, while Amnesty International reported receiving information confirming at least 100 deaths.<\/p>\n
Army chief Jacob Mkunda dismissed the protesters as \u201ccriminals,\u201d marking the only official response so far. President Hassan has remained silent since the unrest began.<\/p>\n
In Zanzibar, Hassan\u2019s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party was declared winner of local elections, but opposition party ACT-Wazalendo rejected the results, alleging massive fraud, ballot-stuffing, and voter intimidation. \u201cThey have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice,\u201d the party said, demanding a fresh vote.<\/p>\n
Analysts say Hassan\u2019s heavy-handed approach and the exclusion of major opposition figures aimed to solidify her hold on power amid divisions within the ruling elite and parts of the military. Rights groups had earlier warned of a \u201cwave of terror\u201d marked by abductions and intimidation ahead of the polls.<\/p>\n
Public anger has also turned toward the president\u2019s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused by opposition groups of leading the post-election crackdown.<\/p>\n
Tanzania remains tense, with soldiers and police patrolling major cities as fears mount of a possible military intervention or coup in the wake of the bloodshed.
\n*With Agency Reports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PHOTO: AFP By James A coup scare is sweeping across Tanzania as violent protests following this week\u2019s presidential election have…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8072,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1667],"class_list":["post-8071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-tanzania-coup"],"yoast_head":"\n