UN Calls for Probe into Tanzania Protest Deaths

The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of hundreds of people during violent protests that followed Tanzania's disputed general election on October 29. The unrest, which erupted across the East African nation, involved clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in an unknown number of injuries and detentions amid a volatile security environment and a six-day internet shutdown.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured victory with approximately 98 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission, in a poll marked by the disqualification of key opposition candidates. Among them was Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition Chadema party, who had been detained for months on treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms. The exclusion of Lissu and other rivals, including those from the ACT-Wazalendo party, fueled widespread anger and triggered demonstrations in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya, as well as several regions.

The UN Human Rights Office, citing information from various sources, reported that hundreds of people were killed in the violence, though it could not...