DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — At least two people, including a police officer, were killed on Wednesday, October 29, during protests that engulfed several Tanzanian cities amid widespread unrest over the country’s disputed general elections.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, Amnesty International confirmed the deaths and urged authorities to uphold human rights and exercise restraint.
“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
“The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.”
Chagutah called for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force by security officers and demanded accountability for those responsible.
Verified videos shared online showed protesters burning mattresses, barricading roads, and engaging police in running battles. In one clip, a police officer appeared to be assaulted by demonstrators before law enforcement dispersed the crowd using tear gas.
The protests followed the disqualification of the country’s two main opposition presidential candidates — Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo — both of whom were barred by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on grounds of law and procedure.
Their exclusion sparked outrage, with opposition parties calling for a boycott under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.”
Amnesty warned that the situation could worsen amid reports of an ongoing nationwide internet disruption.
“A reported nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation,” Chagutah said. “The authorities must allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline by ensuring full internet access and allowing local and international media to report freely on the election.”
The watchdog further reminded the government of its constitutional obligation to protect human rights and guarantee civil liberties during and after the elections. “The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during, and after the elections,” the statement read.
Ahead of the vote, Amnesty had issued a briefing detailing increased repression of opposition parties, journalists, and civil society groups. The organization accused Tanzanian authorities of tightening control over political dissent and restricting free assembly.
As calls for accountability grow, the government has yet to issue an official statement on the reported fatalities. Security forces remain deployed across major urban centers, as the country grapples with one of its most turbulent elections in recent history.
