Tanzania Grapples with Post-Election Violence as Opposition Reports Hundreds Dead
Turmoil has engulfed Tanzania in the wake of a disputed general election held on October 30, 2025, with the main opposition party, Chadema, alleging that around 700 people have died in violent clashes nationwide. The unrest erupted following election results widely seen as skewed in favour of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP that approximately 350 fatalities had occurred in Dar es Salaam alone, with over 200 in Mwanza and additional deaths across other regions. The party based its figures on visits to hospitals and clinics amid accusations of police brutality against protesters who allege electoral fraud and whose leading candidates were barred from standing in the election. "Our message to the government is: Stop killing our protesters. Stop police brutality. Respect the will of the people, which is electoral justice," Kitoka said.
The Tanzanian government has responded by imposing a military curfew, enforcing an internet blackout, and deploying security forces to restore order. Government officials have described the incidents as isolated, and thus far have not released casualty figures, declining to confirm the opposition's claims.
Independent verification of the death toll remains difficult due to restricted communications and fears among hospital staff to disclose information. The United Nations has reported receiving "credible information" indicating at least 10 deaths related to the unrest, urging Tanzanian security forces to exercise restraint. Seif Magango, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated, "Credible reports indicate that at least 10 individuals have lost their lives as security forces employed firearms and tear gas to disperse demonstrators."
Amnesty International has also raised concerns, citing reports of approximately 100 deaths, though it noted the difficulty in obtaining accurate figures under current conditions.
Protests have continued for several days in major cities, with demonstrators demanding transparency and justice over what they perceive as a flawed election process. The situation marks one of the worst political crises Tanzania has faced in recent years, raising alarm among international observers about democratic governance and human rights in the East African nation.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female leader, secured a landslide lead in the election, with results from many constituencies showing her with around 97 percent of the vote. However, the exclusion of key opposition parties has amplified tensions and calls for accountability.
This crisis remains fluid as Tanzania awaits official election results amid growing concerns over escalating violence.
