Government Faces International Scrutiny as Internet Blackout and Curfews Mark Violent Post-Election Period
Tanzania’s main opposition party has alleged that at least 700 people have been killed in three days of violent protests following a disputed presidential election that returned incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan to power. The claims, which remain independently unverified due to communications restrictions, have sparked international concern and condemnation from human rights organizations.
The unrest erupted on October 29, 2025, election day, when protesters took to the streets of major cities including Dar es Salaam and Mwanza to demonstrate against what they described as a fundamentally flawed electoral process. The government’s response included deploying military forces, imposing internet blackouts, establishing nighttime curfews, and ordering civil servants to work from home.
Background: A Disputed Electoral Process
The 2025 Tanzanian general election took place under circumstances that international observers and rights groups had already characterized as deeply problematic. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, faced virtually no meaningful opposition at the ballot box.
In April 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission disqualified Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema (Party for Democracy and Progress), after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct. The disqualification came just days after Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested at a rally where he called for electoral reforms and subsequently charged with treason and cybercrime offenses—charges he vehemently denies.
The electoral commission also barred Luhaga Mpina, the candidate for the second-largest opposition party ACT-Wazalendo (Alliance for Change and Transparency), following an objection from the attorney general. These exclusions left President Hassan competing against only minor party candidates with no established national political presence.
Human Rights Watch and other international organizations documented what they described as a pattern of repression leading up to the vote. In September 2024, Ali Mohamed Kibao, a member of Chadema’s secretariat, was found dead after armed men forced him off a bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. The United Nations human rights office reported a pattern of escalating attacks, disappearances, and torture of critics under Hassan’s administration.
More than 37 million Tanzanians were registered to vote in the election, which also included parliamentary and local council races. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961, sought to extend its decades-long grip on power.
Election Day Violence and Immediate Aftermath
Protests began on election day itself, with demonstrators expressing anger over the exclusion of major opposition candidates and what they characterized as systematic government repression. Videos verified by international media showed largely peaceful protesters in the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza, among other cities.
However, the situation quickly escalated. Several vehicles, a petrol station, and police stations were set ablaze in Dar es Salaam, a city of more than seven million people. Police responded with tear gas and gunshots to disperse crowds. Amnesty International reported on October 29 that two people—one civilian and one police officer—had been killed during the initial protests.
The government moved swiftly to impose control measures. Authorities ordered an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam, shut down internet access across much of the country, and issued work-from-home orders for civil servants. International flights were canceled to and from Dar es Salaam’s airport, while airports in Arusha and near Mount Kilimanjaro were closed. The U.S. Embassy advised American citizens to shelter in place, warning that road travel posed significant risks.
Disputed Death Toll and Information Blackout
By Friday, October 31, Chadema spokesman John Kitoka provided dramatically higher casualty figures to international media. According to Kitoka, approximately 350 people had been killed in Dar es Salaam, more than 200 in Mwanza, and the total nationwide death toll had reached around 700.
“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700,” Kitoka told the French news agency AFP. He added that the death toll could be much higher because killings might be occurring during the nighttime curfew when journalists and observers cannot document events.
Chadema stated that its members had compiled these figures by visiting hospitals and health clinics across the country and counting bodies. A security source in Dar es Salaam told AFP that reports indicated more than 500 deaths, “maybe 700-800 in the whole country.” A diplomat in the city provided similar information.
Amnesty International said it had received reports of at least 100 deaths, while the United Nations human rights office stated it was alarmed by deaths and injuries, with reports indicating at least 10 people had been killed. The vast discrepancy in figures reflects the difficulty of obtaining accurate information amid the communications blackout and movement restrictions.
Multiple hospitals and health clinics reportedly refused to speak directly with journalists, apparently out of fear. Local news websites had not been updated since Wednesday, and President Hassan had not publicly commented on the unrest. The government’s only official statement came from army chief Jacob Mkunda on Thursday evening, who dismissed the protesters as “criminals” without addressing casualty figures.
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo denied that excessive force had been used and told media outlets that the government had “no official figures” on protester deaths. On Friday, the government characterized the protests as “isolated incidents” and promised to swiftly restore normalcy.
International Response and Condemnation
The violence has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and foreign governments. Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, called on authorities to exercise restraint and investigate police use of force.
“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high—we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters,” Chagutah stated before the higher casualty claims emerged.
Human Rights Watch had documented restrictions on opposition activity, harassment of critics, and limited access to independent media throughout the campaign period. The organization also noted that Tanzania’s media had been stifled by the incumbent government, which failed to ensure the electoral commission’s independence.
The British government acknowledged the disruption, noting that international flights had been canceled and warning its citizens about travel risks. The U.S. Embassy issued similar advisories, underscoring concerns about the security situation.
For the first time in recent elections, Tanzania had significantly limited participation by regional and international observer missions. Organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) initially were not fully accredited, though both eventually deployed limited observation missions in late October. Analysts from the Institute for Security Studies noted that the restricted international observation could undermine transparency and public confidence in the results.
Election Results and Opposition Response
Despite the ongoing protests, Tanzania’s state broadcaster began announcing provisional election results on Thursday. The results showed President Hassan winning commanding majorities in various constituencies. Unofficial reports indicated she had secured approximately 85.4 percent of the vote—a figure opposition parties immediately rejected as fraudulent.
In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago that holds separate elections, Hussein Mwinyi from the ruling CCM party was re-elected president with over 78 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission. ACT-Wazalendo, the opposition party in Zanzibar, rejected these results, alleging ballot box stuffing, multiple voting without identification checks, and the expulsion of election observers from counting rooms.
“They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice. The only solution to deliver justice is through a fresh election,” an ACT-Wazalendo official stated.
Chadema spokesman Kitoka called for protests to continue until demands for electoral reforms were met. “We are calling for the protests to continue until our demands for electoral reforms are made,” he told Reuters on Friday. The party also demanded that the government “stop killing our protesters” and called for a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections.
“Stop police brutality. Respect the will of the people, which is electoral justice,” Kitoka added.
Political Context and Hassan’s Presidency
President Samia Suluhu Hassan made history in 2021 when she became Tanzania’s first female president following the unexpected death of John Magufuli. Initially, there were hopes that she might relax the repressive political climate that had characterized Magufuli’s rule.
Early in her presidency, Hassan showed some signs of openness. By early 2023, she had lifted a ban on political rallies and initiated dialogue with opposition parties. However, observers note that any electoral reforms proved merely cosmetic. In 2024’s local elections, the CCM swept over 98 percent of elected positions, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral system.
Hassan’s approach to governance has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn over the past two years. The imprisonment of then-Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe early in her tenure set a troubling precedent. More recently, rights groups have documented a pattern of abductions and attacks targeting activists, journalists, and religious leaders—allegations the Tanzanian government strongly denies.
Freedom House, an international watchdog organization, downgraded Tanzania’s status from “partly free” to “not free” in its 2024 assessment, reflecting the deteriorating political environment.
Analysts suggest that Hassan faced internal challenges from parts of the military and allies of former President Magufuli. Many observers believe she sought an overwhelming electoral victory to consolidate her position within the CCM party and silence internal critics. Her early nomination as the CCM’s presidential candidate in January 2025 was described as an unprecedented break with internal party democracy.
Much public anger has been directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who opposition parties accuse of overseeing the crackdown on protesters and opposition figures. These allegations add a dynastic dimension to concerns about democratic governance in Tanzania.
Economic Considerations and Development Record
Hassan’s campaign focused heavily on her economic achievements and infrastructure development. Tanzania’s economy has shown resilience despite global challenges, cushioned by its status as a leading gold exporter. Inflation has remained relatively stable, and the country has avoided the high external debt distress encountered by some of its neighbors.
Major infrastructure projects have progressed under Hassan’s leadership, including a hydropower dam and standard gauge railway inherited from the previous administration. New projects in development include a $500 million investment in the Nyanzaga gold mine, a $1.2 billion uranium project with a Russian firm, and a $1.4 billion deal with China to refurbish the TAZARA railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia.
Hassan’s campaign promised to hire more teachers and continue major road and railway projects in her next term. Despite her popularity in some regions based on these development achievements, critics argue that economic progress cannot justify the erosion of democratic norms and human rights.
Experts from institutions like Chatham House have warned that the erosion of democracy will ultimately come at the cost of Tanzania’s economic potential. They note that Tanzania’s constitution, rooted in the logic of a one-party system with unchecked executive power, has not been fundamentally overhauled since independence.
Regional Context and Implications
The Tanzanian election crisis represents the latest in a series of contested elections across Africa that have sparked significant unrest. Similar protests erupted in October 2025 in Ivory Coast and Cameroon, where longtime leaders also sought to extend their rule amid allegations of repression and electoral manipulation.
The situation echoes Tanzania’s own troubled electoral history. The ongoing protests bear similarities to demonstrations in Zanzibar in 2000-2001, which stemmed from election grievances and resulted in more than 35 deaths. Citizens interviewed by international media expressed deep skepticism about the electoral process.
“There has never been a credible election since 1995,” said one 70-year-old resident, referring to Tanzania’s first multi-party vote. Many people interviewed refused to give their names. “We are afraid of speaking because they might come to our houses and pick us up,” one resident told reporters.
With Tanzania’s population forecast to double by 2050, making it one of the world’s largest countries, the stakes for democratic governance and political stability are particularly high. The country’s strategic importance—abundant natural resources, gateway position to major inland markets, and role in regional geopolitics—makes the current crisis significant beyond its borders.
Ongoing Situation and Uncertainty
As of Friday, October 31, protests continued for the third consecutive day, with demonstrators demanding that the electoral commission stop announcing results and calling for fresh elections. The military remained deployed on the streets of major cities, and the internet blackout persisted in most areas, though some intermittent connectivity was reported.
The government’s characterization of the protests as “isolated incidents” contrasts sharply with reports from multiple cities experiencing significant unrest. Army chief Mkunda stated that the military and other security agencies had “controlled the situation,” though the continuation of protests suggests otherwise.
Chadema has vowed to continue demonstrations until electoral reforms are implemented. The party’s call for a transitional government represents a fundamental challenge to the legitimacy of the electoral process and Hassan’s claimed victory.
The vastly different casualty figures reported by the opposition, security sources, international organizations, and the government’s complete absence of official figures highlight the information crisis accompanying the physical violence. Without independent verification and with communications restricted, establishing the true scale of the tragedy remains extremely difficult.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Tanzania faces a profound political crisis that threatens both its democratic institutions and social stability. The disputed election, marked by the exclusion of major opposition candidates, alleged massive casualties during protests, communications blackouts, and military deployment, represents a critical juncture for the nation’s political future.
The international community’s response will likely intensify in coming days as more information emerges about the true scale of violence. Pressure for independent investigations into the death toll and circumstances surrounding the protests will grow, particularly from human rights organizations and foreign governments.
For President Hassan, the crisis presents a severe test of leadership. While she may claim electoral victory, the legitimacy of that victory is deeply contested, and the human cost of maintaining power has drawn international condemnation. How her administration responds to demands for accountability and electoral reform will shape Tanzania’s political trajectory for years to come.
The opposition faces difficult choices about whether to continue street protests in the face of violent repression or pursue other avenues for challenging the electoral outcome. The sustainability of the protest movement will depend on whether demonstrators can maintain momentum despite the risks and whether they can build broader coalitions for democratic reform.
For ordinary Tanzanians, particularly the country’s large youth population, the crisis raises fundamental questions about their political voice and the possibility of peaceful democratic change. The fear expressed by many citizens about speaking out reflects the chilling effect of the government’s response on civil society and free expression.
As Tanzania’s population continues to grow and its economy develops, the tension between authoritarian governance and democratic aspirations will remain a defining challenge. The current crisis may prove to be either a catalyst for genuine reform or a further consolidation of one-party dominance, with profound implications for the nation’s future and the broader region.
The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether dialogue and reconciliation are possible or whether Tanzania will descend into prolonged instability. What is certain is that the events of October 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s post-independence history, with consequences that will reverberate far beyond the current crisis.
