Tanzania Faces Food, Fuel, and Cash Shortages After Deadly Election Protests
Several days of violent election protests have triggered severe shortages of food, fuel, and cash across Tanzania, PulseNets learnt on Sunday from official sources.
The situation, which has spiralled since Wednesday’s disputed general election, has forced both local and foreign missions to issue urgent travel warnings to their citizens.
In a statement obtained by PulseNets, the UK High Commission in Tanzania raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation, citing growing unrest and disruption to essential services.
“There are shortages of food, fuel, and cash, compounded by the lack of internet access,” the UK government stated. “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Tanzania due to the ongoing unrest following the 29 October election.”
Similarly, the U.S. Mission in Tanzania told PulseNets that it had also advised its citizens to stay away from protest zones, describing the demonstrations as “widespread and potentially dangerous.”
PulseNets reported that violent clashes between security forces and protesters have continued for days, paralysing major cities and cutting off communication networks. Despite internet restrictions, videos showing protesters marching through the streets, tearing down campaign posters, and clashing with police have circulated widely on social media.
Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the controversial election, a decision that sparked more outrage after several key opposition candidates were reportedly disqualified.
Opposition party CHADEMA told PulseNets that the protests had claimed over 700 lives, accusing the government of “state-backed violence” and vowing not to recognise Ms Hassan’s presidency.
Also Read: UK, Canada, and Norway Raise Alarm Over Tanzania’s Bloody Elections as Protests Turn Deadly
“This was not an election but a hijack of democracy,” a CHADEMA spokesperson spoke to PulseNets, adding that the party would continue to push for international intervention.
As tensions heighten, fears are growing that the East African nation could plunge deeper into crisis if dialogue between the government and opposition leaders does not commence soon.
