Amnesty International has raised alarms over the severe human rights violations occurring in Tanzania amid internet and power shutdowns orchestrated by the government. These blackouts are seen as an attempt to curb the flow of information regarding the unrest following the contentious elections on October 29.

Vongai Chikwanda, deputy regional director at Amnesty, expressed deep concerns over the excessive use of force by security personnel in dispersing protesters, which has led to numerous deaths and injuries. "Amnesty...is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests," Chikwanda noted.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan acknowledged the fatalities but controversially attributed them to foreign involvement, stating that many of those arrested were non-nationals. This statement comes amid widespread criticism of the election's integrity. Observers from the Southern African Development Community have declared the elections as neither free nor fair. Furthermore, Amnesty reported that the lead-up to the elections was marred by voter suppression tactics by President Hassan and her officials, notably sidelining her main opponents, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema Party and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo.

Tundu Lissu, currently imprisoned on charges he claims are politically motivated, and his party have dismissed the election results as unrealistic. In a dramatic turn of events, Chadema's deputy leader, John Heche, was arrested at Lissu’s trial.

On the other hand, Luhaga Mpina, who recently shifted to ACT-Wazalendo from the ruling party, lost a constitutional challenge over his disqualification from the presidential race, a move enforced by a procedural complaint within his new party.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that Tanzanian police and military forces have resorted to tear gas and firearms to break up protests, resulting in at least 10 confirmed deaths. However, Charles Kitima, secretary general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, suggests the death toll may be in the hundreds. “The president has been sworn in and we hope justice will be served to those who lost their loved ones and that protesters are not targeted,” Kitima added.

Further emphasizing the turmoil, the US State Department recently updated its travel advisory for Tanzania, adding an "unrest" risk indicator due to rampant violent crimes and the ongoing protests, which have escalated to include violent outbreaks and roadblocks, complicating travel and safety within the country. The US Embassy in Tanzania has also issued warnings advising US citizens to remain indoors due to the volatile situation across the nation.

As the global community watches, the situation in Tanzania remains tense, with international organizations and foreign governments calling for restraint and respect for human rights.