Graphic footage is still emerging from the streets of Tanzania showing reality in the aftermath of the country’s general election.
Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed and many more wounded in the crackdown that followed the controversial October 29 election, which returned incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan to office with nearly 98 percent of the vote.
Videos circulating online show bodies lying on roadways in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, cars ablaze, and crowds fleeing under tear gas and live fire.
Photographs depict injured protesters being treated on sidewalks, bloody and crumpled, while troops in camouflage patrol neighbourhoods under curfew.
The election took place amid mounting tension. Key opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu of the main opposition party, were barred from standing.
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The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has held power since independence, but the margin of victory and the near absence of serious challengers raised red flags internationally.
What Transpired in Tanzania
Security forces-imposed curfews, shut down large parts of the internet, and deployed the military.
Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam, spreading to Mwanza and beyond, as young demonstrators accused the government of rigging the process.
The opposition claims roughly 700 dead nationwide, citing hospital reports and family lists.
The UN rights office and other international bodies have explicitly expressed alarm and called for restraint.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the situation in the United Republic of Tanzania following the general elections of 29 October, including reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations. He deplores the loss of life and extends his condolences to the families of the victims.”
“The Tanzanian authorities must promptly conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.” Amesty International said in a statement
The Tanzanian government has been almost silent on casualty numbers and has tightened control of information flows.
Results Announcement
The Tanzania Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the 29 October 2025 general election with 97.66 % of the vote, based on over 31.9 million votes cast.
A photo of someone holding a bullet (left) and a injured protestor (right). PHOTO/Handout
This landslide figure came after the exclusion or barring of key opposition figures from the race, including Tundu Lissu, which triggered charges of an uncompetitive process.
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In her acceptance remarks, President Suluhu claimed the outcome showed overwhelming public support and called for national unity and also signaled that security forces would maintain order.
“It’s time to unite our country and not destroy what we’ve built over more than six decades.” Hassan said “We will take all actions and involve all security agencies to ensure the country is peaceful.”
“The government strongly condemns the violent incidents. These incidents were not patriotic at all,” she added.
The high turnout and the extremely high vote-share raised serious skepticism among observers, given visible irregularities, suppressed opposition activity, and protests on election day.
Travel Advisories & Disruptions
In the immediate aftermath, several foreign governments issued travel advisories for Tanzania.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK) warned of food, fuel and cash shortages, widespread internet outages, transportation disruptions and advised its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Tanzania.
The US Embassy Dar es Salaam issued guidance for US nationals to stay indoors, avoid crowds and protests, and monitor evolving security conditions.
“Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.”
Travel and transport systems were heavily affected: major airports including Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport and others faced flight cancellations and operational disruptions.
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A photo of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan PHOTO| Ikulu, Tanzania
