Tanzania's Election Protests: A Deadly Aftermath

Following the October 29, 2025, presidential election in Tanzania, which incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with approximately 98% of the vote, widespread protests erupted across the country. The election was marred by allegations of fraud, as key opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, were barred from contesting. Protests intensified as demonstrators expressed outrage over the exclusion of these candidates and the government's heavy-handed response.

Despite deadly violence, Tanzanian govt says election transparent, peaceful

The opposition Chadema party has claimed that over 2,000 people have died in the violence that ensued, with reports of security forces allegedly disposing of bodies to conceal the true scale of the fatalities. Brenda Rupia, Chadema's director of communications, stated, “Most bodies are still at the hospitals (and) the police are stopping people from taking dead bodies away.” The party's spokesperson, Deogratias Munishi, reported that streets were littered with corpses and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties. However, the Tanzanian government has dismissed these figures as "hugely exaggerated," asserting that security forces acted responsibly to maintain order.

CNN

The African Union and foreign ministries from Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern regarding the violence and the reported high death toll. The African Union Commission stated it was "extremely concerned" about the unrest, while Human Rights Watch condemned the government's use of lethal force against protesters. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the allegations of excessive force.

CNN

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her inauguration, acknowledged the loss of life but did not provide specific figures. She emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, stating, “Life must continue.” The government has maintained that the election was conducted transparently and that citizens exercised their constitutional rights peacefully. In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a curfew and a nationwide internet blackout, which has since been partially lifted.

France 24

Critics, including opposition leaders and human rights advocates, have labeled the election a "sham," arguing that it failed to meet democratic standards. Reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings have surfaced, further fueling dissent. The opposition has vowed to continue its struggle for electoral reforms, with Munishi asserting that Chadema will not enter any political pact with the government until justice is served.

NPR

There is significant discrepancy regarding the death toll from the protests. While Chadema claims over 2,000 fatalities, other sources, including a diplomatic source, suggest that credible evidence indicates at least 500 deaths. The Tanzanian government has not provided any official casualty figures, complicating the verification of claims made by both sides.

CNN

As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of the election and the ongoing unrest, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. Calls for accountability and investigations into the violence continue to grow, with many urging the Tanzanian government to uphold human rights and ensure a transparent electoral process in the future.

Despite deadly violence, Tanzanian govt says election transparent, peaceful