Tanzania Sends Security troops to Major Towns Ahead of Planned Rallies

In anticipation of planned protests over the controversial election from last year, Tanzania has stationed police and military personnel in Dar es Salaam and other major towns. Citing security concerns, the government banned all political gatherings last week, but it did not specify how long the ban would last.

On July 7, demonstrators headed by young people will assemble to demand democratic changes and justice for the victims of last year’s election-related violence. At least 518 people were killed in the riots, according to a government-appointed panel; however, opposition and religious organizations claim thousands were killed by security forces.

The protests were spurred by the exclusion of key opposition candidates from the election which was won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with over 98 per cent of the vote. She said the unrest was an attempt to overthrow her regime. Human rights organizations have accused security officers of using excessive force, although the government have refuted these claims.

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