Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended the actions of the country’s security forces following a deadly post-election crackdown that left hundreds of protesters dead, maintaining that the violence was orchestrated by foreign interests seeking to destabilize her government.

Hassan said the unrest erupted after her election victory in which she secured 97.66 percent of the vote, describing the demonstrations as coordinated attacks targeting government buildings.

Police responded with live ammunition and tear gas as clashes spread across several areas. Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of people were killed, though the government is yet to release an official death toll.

The president rejected allegations that the protests reflected widespread public anger, insisting instead that young people were misled and mobilized for political purposes.

She has also dismissed criticism from the United States, the European Union and other international actors, terming it foreign interference and colonial-style meddling in Tanzania’s internal affairs.

Opposition party CHADEMA claims the death toll exceeds 2,000, a figure the government has strongly disputed as exaggerated. Authorities have focused on reporting property destruction rather than confirming casualties.

The two main opposition parties were barred from participating in the election on technical grounds, despite the government insisting the polls were free and fair.

CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu has been detained since April on a treason charge that carries the death penalty, as rights groups report a campaign of arrests, disappearances and alleged abductions targeting government critics.

Tensions continue to rise in the country ahead of planned protests scheduled for December 9, with growing concern from local and international observers over the shrinking democratic space and the potential for further violence.