Tanzania cancels independence day celebrations after election unrest

The opposition has been rallying people to gather on that day to protest against post-poll killings.

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His announcement comes as the opposition and others have been calling for people to gather on independence day - 9 December - to demonstrate about killings that took place following last month's disputed poll.

The opposition believes hundreds of people died in the crackdown. The government has yet to give a death toll and has set up commission of inquiry.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the poll with 98% of the vote, described by the opposition as a "mockery of democracy".

Her key opponents were unable to contest the poll: Tundu Lissu has been in detention on treason charges, which he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected on technical grounds.