Tanzania cancels independence day celebrations after election unrest

Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has announced the cancellation of next month’s independence day celebrations, with allocated funds redirected towards rebuilding infrastructure damaged during recent election unrest.

This decision comes amidst opposition calls for demonstrations on independence day, 9 December, to protest the killings that occurred following last month’s disputed election.

The opposition claims that hundreds of lives were lost in the crackdown, while the government has yet to release an official death toll and has established a commission of inquiry.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98% of the vote in the recent election, which the opposition has denounced as a travesty of democratic principles.

Key opposition figures were unable to participate in the election, as Tundu Lissu is currently detained on treason charges, which he disputes, and Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy was rejected due to technicalities.

Election observers have reported indications of vote manipulation and democratic shortcomings.

Furthermore, the government imposed a five-day internet blackout commencing on election day, October 29, and threatened to penalize individuals sharing protest photos.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS