Tanzania is experiencing one of its most turbulent political moments in decades following the disputed October 2025 general elections. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with more than 97 percent of the vote, a result widely criticized by regional and international observers for falling short of democratic norms. Monitors from the Southern African Development Community and the African Union flagged serious irregularities, citing pre-election intimidation, legal manipulation, and the widespread targeting of opposition leaders and activists.
The tense buildup to the elections was marked by abductions, torture allegations, and heavy state interference, leaving citizens with limited trust in the credibility of the process. Reports of systematic ballot box stuffing and controlled voter turnout contributed to rising anger, pushing thousands into the streets to demand accountability and a fair electoral environment.Security forces responded forcefully, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of protesters and bystanders. Multiple human rights reports indicate that bodies were removed from streets and hospitals by security agents, allegedly to conceal the true scale of casualties. The UN human rights office received multiple distress reports, prompting UN rights chief Volker Türk to call for an independent investigation into the killings and the broader pattern of violations.
As unrest continued, the government extended its crackdown to digital platforms. Meta restricted the Instagram account of activist Maria Sarungi-Tsehai inside Tanzania after a directive from authorities. Meanwhile, social media influencer Mange Kimambi, who has 2.7 million followers, had her accounts deleted under what the platform described as policy violations. Critics claim these actions are politically motivated, raising concerns about coordinated digital censorship. A US senator publicly condemned the restrictions, warning that technology companies must not become tools of state repression.
Authorities have also banned all planned demonstrations scheduled for December 9, 2025, the nation’s Independence Day, arguing that organizers lacked legal permission. In an attempt to prevent renewed protests, the government cancelled the official Independence Day celebrations and redirected the allocated funds to repairing damage from earlier unrest. This comes after internet blackouts and blocks on tens of thousands of websites, which Amnesty International described as part of a pattern of excessive force and suppression amid national power and internet outages.
Dozens of political figures were arrested following the protests, including senior leaders from Chadema. While several were released on bail, Chadema chairperson Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges. Hundreds of citizens face charges ranging from treason, which carries the death penalty, to various protest-related offenses. President Hassan has requested leniency for youths charged with treason, acknowledging that many acted out of frustration and confusion. However, public trust in the government’s ability to investigate and resolve the crisis remains extremely low.
Analysts say the unrest reflects a deeper regional pattern of young, urban populations demanding political reform. Many argue that Tanzania’s path to stability requires rebuilding trust in key institutions such as the police, judiciary, and electoral bodies. Calls are growing for a new Constitution that strengthens civil liberties, ensures judicial independence, and creates a more accountable political framework. Rights groups and opposition parties insist that meaningful reconciliation will only be possible if the government acknowledges the excessive force used, transparently reports casualties, and upholds citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
The turmoil places Tanzania at a critical crossroads, with long-term political stability hinging on institutional reform, accountability, and renewed dialogue between the government and the opposition.
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