Key Highlights
- Hundreds feared dead in days of protests after disputed Tanzanian election.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with nearly 98% of the vote, while her two biggest challengers were excluded from the contest.
- The opposition claims widespread repression and hundreds have been killed since the election day on Wednesday.
- Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA called for demonstrations during the election.
Protests Erupt Following Disputed Election in Tanzania
On Saturday, 1 November 2025, protests erupted across Tanzania following a disputed election that saw incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared victorious with nearly 98% of the vote. The opposition, led by CHADEMA, claims widespread repression and has accused Hassan’s administration of excluding her two biggest challengers from the contest.
Protesters took to the streets in defiance, tearing down banners of President Hassan and setting fire to government buildings. The situation quickly escalated as riot police resorted to firing tear gas and gunshots to disperse the crowds. This response has raised concerns about human rights violations and civil liberties.
Hassan’s Victory Amidst Controversy
The electoral commission announced that Hassan received more than 31.9 million votes, with a turnout nearing 87% of the East African nation’s registered voters. However, witnesses reported low voter turnout on election day due to protests disrupting polling stations.
Despite the high vote count, the main opposition party CHADEMA dismissed these results as “coronation” and called for demonstrations during the election. The party has been disqualified from participating in future elections after refusing to sign a controversial code of conduct, leaving only minor parties to challenge Hassan’s rule.
Opposition Claims Hundreds Dead
The death toll remains unclear, with Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA claiming hundreds have died since the election day. In contrast, the United Nations stated that credible reports indicated at least 10 people had been killed in three cities.
A joint statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, and Norway cited “credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries as a result of the security response to protests.” The Tanzanian government dismissed these claims, calling them “hugely exaggerated.”
Background on Samia Suluhu Hassan
Suluhu Hassan has been in power since 2021, following the death of her predecessor. Initially praised for easing repression, she faced increasing criticism from opposition parties and activists over recent arrests and alleged abductions of opponents.
She ordered an investigation into reports of abductions last year but no official findings have been released. Her administration has also been accused of widespread rights abuses, despite denying these allegations.
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
The ongoing protests in Tanzania highlight the delicate balance between democracy and authoritarianism in East African nations. The international community’s response underscores the global concern over human rights violations and the potential for political instability.
As tensions continue to rise, observers will be watching closely to see if this crisis leads to meaningful reforms or further crackdowns by the government. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Tanzania but also for regional stability in East Africa.
