The Tanzanian government has cautioned citizens against circulating photos and videos that could “cause panic” or “demean human life,” following the partial restoration of internet services after a six-day nationwide shutdown triggered by deadly post-election protests.
Mobile users received text messages on Monday night, warning that anyone sharing distressing or misleading content could face treason charges. The warning came just hours after internet access was restored, prompting an influx of unverified posts showing alleged victims of the protests. A popular social media page that had been sharing such content was taken down on Monday evening after attracting thousands of followers within 24 hours.
Unclear Death Toll Amid Widespread Condemnation
Authorities have yet to release an official death toll, but during her swearing-in ceremony on Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan acknowledged a “loss of life” and urged security agencies to restore calm.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the government’s violent response to protesters, citing opposition figures from Chadema, who claimed over 1,000 deaths had occurred. The Catholic Church also reported that fatalities were likely in the “hundreds,” though it could not independently verify the figures.
Election Dispute and Crackdown
The unrest erupted during the October 29 general election, in which President Hassan secured over 97% of the vote amid a boycott by major opposition parties, whose candidates were barred from running. International observers reported low voter turnout and irregularities in the electoral process.
Protests broke out as young people demonstrated against the exclusion of opposition candidates, leading to days of violent clashes. Security forces reportedly used live ammunition and tear gas, while authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and shut down the internet to stem the unrest.
Gradual Return to Normalcy
By Tuesday, November 4, normalcy was slowly returning to Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, with shops, gas stations, and public transport services reopening. Government spokespersons instructed civil servants to return to work, officially ending the work-from-home directive imposed during the curfew.
Calls for Accountability
Human Rights Watch has urged the Tanzanian government to investigate all election-related deaths and hold perpetrators accountable, citing reports of point-blank shootings by security forces.
“The authorities’ violent and repressive response to election-related protests further erodes the credibility of Tanzania’s electoral process,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at HRW.
The rights organization also demanded the full restoration of internet connectivity, calling the prolonged shutdown a violation of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
