Tanzania is facing its gravest political crisis in decades following a disputed presidential election. The U.N. reports at least 10 people were killed when security forces fired on protesters, while the main opposition party, Chadema, claims the death toll is in the hundreds.
The government denies using excessive force, but the unrest has escalated. In a highly unusual move, a Chadema spokeswoman, Brenda Rupia, called for the military to temporarily take power. She urged the army to annul the recent election, release political detainees, oversee a new constitution, and hold a fresh vote.
The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, has governed since 1977. The current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, faced little formal challenge after the electoral commission, whose members she appoints, disqualified major opposition leaders. This led to widespread protests and an election boycott. Despite a military warning against demonstrations and a heavy security presence, the country remains tense, with the opposition demanding international intervention.
