Amnesty International has raised alarm over the deaths of a police officer and a civilian during protests that erupted across Tanzania on election day, calling for swift investigations into the use of deadly force by security agencies.
The human rights organisation said the government must uphold its constitutional duty to protect the rights of all citizens throughout the electoral period.
Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said reports of the two deaths were disturbing and signalled a dangerous escalation of tension.
“Reports that one member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. 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 said in a statement on Wednesday.
He urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident, hold those responsible to account, and take concrete steps to prevent further violations.
Chagutah further expressed concern about an internet shutdown reported across the country, warning that cutting off access to information could worsen the already volatile situation.
He called on the government to immediately lift restrictions and ensure that both local and international journalists are free to report on the electoral process.
He added that authorities should 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 October 29 election, dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, was held amid growing restrictions after opposition presidential hopefuls Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo were disqualified from the race.
Protests broke out in several cities, including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanga, Mwanza, and Tunduma, where videos showed mostly peaceful gatherings before police dispersed demonstrators.
Amnesty had earlier warned that authorities were cracking down on opposition supporters, journalists, and activists in the run-up to the polls.
Following the demonstrations in Dar es Salaam, the city’s Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro imposed a 6:00 pm curfew, cautioning residents to stay indoors until further notice.
The measure followed reports of young people attempting to stage protests in Kimara Kibo, which were quickly broken up by security officers. Armoured police vehicles were later deployed along major roads, including Morogoro Road, to maintain order.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila defended the move, saying security agencies were ready to counter any attempts to disrupt peace.
“Even if you see propaganda on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam region, know the power used to control it is seven times stronger than that applied for planning it,” Chalamila warned.
