is experiencing one of the worst waves of repression in its history. The protests in the African country have left at least 150 dead since last Wednesday, according to health sources, as well as limited internet access and announced a nationwide curfew. The situation is such that even the UN Human Rights office has been alarmed due to the situation facing the country and has called for an end to violence and respect for human rights.
The Army and Police patrol the streets due to the protests that have taken place for several days over alleged fraud and repression in the country’s general elections. Added to this is the internet restriction in various parts of the country since last Wednesday.
There is a possibility that the death toll is much highersince the figure has been given only by the Muhimbili National Hospital, which so far has collected 150 bodies, although the UN for now only collects an official figure of 10 deaths due to the protests.
“They must quickly restore Internet access and make it easier for citizens to fully enjoy their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” asked Seif Magango, the organization’s spokesperson, who recalled that “restrictions on communications will only undermine public confidence in the electoral process.”
“All Those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally and those legally detained must have due process and a fair trial,” he recalled, before again insisting that there must be “prompt, impartial and effective” investigations into said violence to guarantee that those responsible are held accountable.
This Friday the protests will continue on the third day of mobilizations whose objective is denounce fraud and repression suffered during the electoral process, as is the case of Arusha (located in the north) or Mbeya (located in the west).
