Death Toll Disputed Amid Crackdown

Chadema, the main opposition party, claimed around 700 deaths in three days—about 350 in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza.

A security source told local reporters casualties could be between 500 and 800, while Amnesty International cited “at least 100 confirmed deaths.”

Officials have yet to release an official toll, and the army chief described demonstrators as “criminals.”

Curfew And Internet Blackout

Authorities declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew and extended an internet shutdown into its third day, restricting access to news and social media.

Eyewitnesses reported soldiers firing live rounds and tear gas as crowds attempted to march toward parliament.

Businesses closed early, and public transport was halted in several districts.

Opposition Calls For Accountability

Chadema urged international investigations into what it called a “massacre” and demanded the resignation of top security officials.

Party figures said at least 1,200 protesters remained detained. Rights groups warned that the blackout could conceal further abuses.