UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for restraint in Tanzania following the Oct. 29 general election, as the country remains under curfew.
Antonio Guterres, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric lamented the loss of life and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
The secretary-general called for “a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force.”
Guterres urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold accountability and transparency in handling the post-election unrest.
According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), credible reports indicate that at least ten demonstrators were killed. This resulted from security forces’ use of firearms and tear-gas against demonstrators in urban areas including the cities of Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro.
OHCHR also reported that a nationwide curfew is in effect while access to the internet appears to have been widely restricted since polling day.
The UN human rights office urged authorities to promptly reinstate internet service.
It also urged the government to “facilitate citizens’ full enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
“Curtailment of communication will only further undermine public trust in the electoral process,” the office said.
The violent post-election scenes come in the aftermath of electoral campaigns marred by allegations of random arrests and detentions of opposition figures, including the Chadema party leader and his deputy.
NAN