The elections on October 29 triggered the worst political unrest in Tanzania’s post independence history. The UN estimates that hundreds of people were killed as security forces cracked down on dissent.
Residents told Reuters that security forces were stationed throughout major streets in Dar es Salaam, checking identification and restricting movement. The city remained calm by late morning, though one resident and activists on social media reported small protests in a few neighbourhoods, something that could not be immediately confirmed. Police did not respond to requests for comment.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a new term with nearly 98% of the vote after key opposition figures were barred from standing. She appointed a commission last month to investigate election violence but has repeatedly denied wrongdoing by security forces.
UN human rights experts said last week that at least 700 people were believed to have been extrajudicially killed. The government has acknowledged fatalities but has not provided its own tally.
The US announced last week that it is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania due to concerns over civilian killings, limits on religious freedom, restrictions on free speech and obstacles to investment.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups have long accused the government of orchestrating abductions of its critics in the run up to the vote. Hassan said last year she had ordered an inquiry into the disappearances, though no findings have been released.