Tanzanian Protests: Tensions Rise Amidst Calls for Stay-at-Home Orders

Tanzania's Prime Minister urged citizens to stay home amidst calls for protests against violence following October elections. The UN cited possible hundreds of deaths. The government admits fatalities but denies excessive force. Upcoming protests on December 9 led to increased security, amid US concerns over human rights issues.

In light of calls for protests against government actions around October's elections, Tanzania's Prime Minister urged citizens to stay home. The protests erupted due to alleged violent suppression and exclusion of key opposition candidates, which reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to the United Nations.

The government has admitted to fatalities but has rejected claims of excessive police force. In a social media message, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba asked citizens to use December 9 as a day of rest, abstaining from protests celebrating Tanzania's independence, emphasizing that no formal permits for demonstrations had been received.

With tensions escalating, heavy police and military presence were reported in key cities. Meanwhile, President Hassan commissioned an investigation into election violence, amid US warnings about violence against civilians, religious freedom, and other human rights concerns, which may affect diplomatic relations with Tanzania.

(With inputs from agencies.)