Tanzania restores internet, ends curfew 

Tanzania has lifted its nationwide curfew and partially restored internet access following days of deadly unrest that erupted after last week’s presidential election, which opposition parties have condemned as fraudulent.

The country’s electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the October 29 poll with 98 percent of the vote, a result the opposition has dismissed as a “sham.”

Reports from multiple sources, including hospitals and diplomatic observers, suggest that hundreds possibly thousands may have been killed in the post-election violence, though exact figures remain unverified.

An AFP correspondent in Dar es Salaam observed a cautious return to normalcy on Tuesday, as residents ventured out for the first time in days.

“I hope violence will not come again,” said food vendor Rehema Shehoza, 32. “Some of us would die from hunger because I need to get out for work to get my daily bread.”

Public transportation resumed partially after being grounded during the unrest, and long queues were seen at gas stations amid fuel shortages and soaring prices.

While the internet blackout that began on election day has been eased, connectivity remains unstable. Graphic images purportedly from the protests have begun circulating online, though AFP could not independently verify them.

Police have warned citizens against sharing “videos that may cause panic or humiliation,” threatening prosecution under national security laws.

AFP disclosed that hospitals across Tanzania had reported “hundreds, perhaps even thousands” of deaths since the unrest began. Opposition party Chadema claimed to have recorded “no less than 800 fatalities” by Saturday.

In her acceptance speech, President Hassan acknowledged the loss of lives and promised an investigation.

“I am saddened by the incidents of violence that have led to loss of lives,” she said, without offering specific details.

Human rights groups have accused security forces of using the internet shutdown to hunt down opposition members and erase evidence of abuses.

A Dar es Salaam resident told Human Rights Watch that her neighbour — who was not part of the protests — was shot dead outside his home on October 30 by a man dressed in civilian clothing.

Though calm appears to be returning gradually, fears linger among citizens amid a heavy security presence and ongoing reports of intimidation.