Tanzania Army Chief Calls for Calm as Election Unrest Escalates

Police in Tanzania used tear gas and gunfire on Thursday to break up protesters after a general election that saw violent demonstrations. 

The unrest began on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam and other cities due to the exclusion of President.

 Where by main  competitors like Tundu lisu were arrested  and barred from  the race and increased government repression. 

Following the violence, which included the burning of buildings.

 Police imposed an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam, a city with over seven million residents. 

Internet access, previously disrupted, was slowly returning.

Human rights activist Tito Magoti reported at least five deaths from Wednesday’s protests, 

While an anonymous diplomatic source cited at least ten fatalities.

 The government and police did not confirm these reports.

 The state media began announcing provisional election results showing Hassan with strong majorities in various areas. 

On Thursday, protesters took to the streets again in several neighborhoods.

Leading police to use tear gas and gunfire to control the crowds.

The British government announced the cancellation of international flights to and from Dar es Salaam and the closure of airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Magoti expressed that the protests are a sign of a shift toward active citizenship. 

The unrest poses a challenge for Hassan, who had been praised for reducing government repression since taking office. 

The main opposition party, CHADEMA, had called for protests during the election but was disqualified earlier this year, limiting the competition against Hassan.