Teargas Fired as Tanzania,Cameroon Election Protests Escalate Amid Human Rights Concerns

Protests have erupted in both Tanzania and Cameroon following recent elections marked by controversy and claims of irregularities. In Tanzania's Dar es Salaam, police used tear gas to disperse opposition supporters protesting the general election, which is widely expected to favor President Samia Suluhu, as the main opposition leader is jailed and his party boycotting the vote. The political environment in Tanzania has been criticized for repression, including reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, though the government insists the elections are free and fair. In Cameroon, opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory over long-time President Paul Biya, has led supporters in defiance of protest bans, resulting in police firing tear gas to disperse crowds. The African Union condemned the response to the protests after at least four people were killed, while human rights groups called for respect for human rights amid the unrest. The Cameroonian government denies electoral fraud allegations and urges calm as the official results are awaited.