The police in Tanzania have advised the public against disseminating online images that could potentially incite panic. This advisory follows the restoration of internet access after protests linked to the elections, during which the opposition claims that hundreds lost their lives.
The principal opposition party, CHADEMA, asserts that it has recorded numerous fatalities resulting from the protests that erupted following last Wednesday’s election, sparked by the disqualification of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
Hassan, who was ceremoniously reinstated on Monday after being credited with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, conceded that fatalities occurred. However, her administration has described the opposition’s reported death toll as grossly inflated.
Photos and videos circulating on social media showed the bodies of people who users said had been shot during the demonstrations.
The message states: “Avoid sharing pictures or videos that cause panic or degrade a person’s dignity. Doing so is a criminal offense, and if identified, strict legal action will be taken.”
Meanwhile, life in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, was returning to normal on Tuesday with fewer police and soldiers patrolling the streets after they lifted an overnight curfew first imposed on election day.
CHADEMA was barred from the election for refusing to sign a code of conduct, and its leader was arrested and charged with treason in April.
The electoral commission also disqualified the presidential candidate from the second-largest opposition party.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Friday for an investigation into allegations of excessive use of force.
The government has said security forces acted responsibly to contain violence and destruction by protesters.
Reuters/Oyenike Oyeniyi