Deadly protests engulfed Tanzania following the disputed re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan on October 29, 2025. The incumbent was declared the winner with 97.66% of the vote, a result immediately rejected by the main opposition party. The election excluded the two leading opposition candidates: Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, according to PBS News. Security forces responded to protests with tear gas, gunfire, and military deployment, as authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and disrupted internet access, effectively shutting down communications in the midst of unrest. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to government buildings and tore down campaign banners, particularly in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Shinyanga. The violence resulted in multiple fatalities, though casualty figures remain disputed; Chadema claims hundreds were killed, while the U.N. human rights office has confirmed credible reports of at least ten deaths, based on reporting from Reuters. Hassan was sworn in at a military base in Dodoma on November 3, 2025. The ceremony took place behind closed doors due to the public’s discontent. 

Reactions to the election results have been swift and stark. According to Reuters, Chadema declared, “These results have no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania. The countrywide demonstrations are clear proof that citizens did not take part in what is being called an election.” African regional leaders also expressed concern: Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urged Tanzanians to shun violence, while the Southern African Development Community stated that the elections fell short of democratic standards due to the exclusion of opposition candidates and delays in accrediting observers. U.N. spokesperson Seif Magango confirmed at least ten deaths in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, and called for thorough investigations into all allegations of excessive force. Meanwhile, PBS News reports that President Hassan blamed foreign actors for instigating unrest, stating in a speech from Dodoma, “When it comes to the security of Tanzania, there is no debate – we must use all available security avenues to ensure the country remains safe.” 

From a peacebuilding perspective, the election and its aftermath showcase the risks to political legitimacy, social cohesion, and security that Tanzania currently faces. While the government moved promptly to certify Hassan’s victory and hold her inauguration, the exclusion of opposition candidates, arrest of political leaders such as Lissu, and crude response to street demonstrations undermined public trust in state institutions. Reports of mass arrests, abductions, and alleged extrajudicial killings show a pattern of repression rather than a democratic electoral process, according to NPR. These events increase tension and lead to conflict, while hindering productive discourse. Peace efforts require accountability, inclusion, and respect for fundamental freedoms; without them, future unrest is likely. 

The current unrest must be understood in the context of Tanzania’s recent political history. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (C.C.M.) party has dominated the country’s politics since independence. Samia Suluhu Hassan, of the C.C.M., became president in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, who was nicknamed “the Bulldozer” for his authoritarian style. Hassan initially pursued reforms, including ending bans on political rallies, repealing restrictive media laws, and releasing jailed opposition figures. However, the lead-up to the 2025 election saw an escalation in repression: opposition leaders were arrested, parties were barred from participation, and reports of abductions and human rights violations increased, according to NPR and Human Rights Watch. The electoral commission disqualified Chadema for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, a move widely criticized by rights organizations. As stated by Al Jazeera, Previous elections in the region, such as in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, have also been disputed and led to unrest, showing that Tanzania is part of a wider pattern of election-related instability in East and Central Africa.

Looking ahead, Tanzania’s path to peace and democratic stability remains uncertain. If the government fails to engage with opposition voices, investigate reports of violence, and ensure fair elections, there is a high risk for continued unrest. Citizens, especially young people, are likely to continue demanding reforms, and the international community will be watching human rights closely. Long-term stability depends on political inclusion, accountability, and public trust. For Tanzania, the key issue is not just about who governs but about whether institutions and processes are seen as fair and legitimate in the eyes of the people — the foundation for lasting peace and security.