Tanzania’s police warned citizens against posting images online that could “cause panic” as authorities restored internet access late Monday following days of election-related protests that the opposition says left hundreds dead — a figure the government disputes.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, says it has documented hundreds of fatalities since demonstrations erupted last Wednesday over the disqualification of leading challengers to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Hassan, credited with 98% of the vote, was sworn in for a new term on Monday and acknowledged that people had died, while her government called the opposition’s toll vastly exaggerated.
Images circulating on social media purported to show bodies of people shot during the unrest. Reuters was unable to verify the authenticity of the photos and videos.
Shortly before a five-day internet shutdown was lifted, mobile users received a police text message: “Avoid sharing pictures or videos that cause panic or degrade a person’s dignity. Doing so is a criminal offense, and if identified, strict legal action will be taken.” A police spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Viral Scout Management, a local sports consultancy, said on its X account that seven footballers it represented, aged 15 to 22, were shot and killed in their homes during the protests. Reuters could not independently confirm the reported deaths.
In Dar es Salaam, daily life began to normalize on Tuesday with fewer police and soldiers on the streets after authorities lifted an overnight curfew first imposed on election day, a Reuters witness said.
Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, has faced criticism from opponents and activists over arrests and alleged abductions. CHADEMA was barred from the vote after refusing to sign a code of conduct, and its leader was arrested and charged with treason in April. The electoral commission also disqualified the presidential candidate of the second-largest opposition party.
Hassan has said her government respects human rights and last year ordered a probe into abduction claims; no official findings have been published. On Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an investigation into allegations of excessive force. The government says security services acted responsibly to contain violence and property destruction.