What's happened
On 29 October 2025, Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected with nearly 98% of the vote amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and repression. Opposition parties were barred, key leaders jailed, and protests erupted nationwide, resulting in hundreds to possibly thousands of deaths amid a government crackdown, internet blackout, and curfews. International observers condemned the election as neither free nor fair.
What's behind the headline?
Political Landscape and Election Integrity
The 2025 Tanzanian election was characterized by a near-total exclusion of credible opposition, with key figures like Chadema leader Tundu Lissu jailed and barred from running. This absence of genuine competition rendered the election a de facto coronation for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured nearly 98% of the vote amid widespread allegations of ballot stuffing and intimidation.
Government Crackdown and Human Rights Concerns
The government's response to protests was severe, involving mass arrests, charges of treason against hundreds, and a reported death toll ranging from hundreds to thousands according to opposition and human rights groups. The use of lethal force, enforced disappearances, and an internet blackout point to a systematic effort to suppress dissent and control the narrative.
International and Regional Reactions
African Union observers and international bodies criticized the election's credibility and documented irregularities. The EU and UN expressed deep concern over violence and urged restraint and investigations. However, the Tanzanian government has dismissed these criticisms, maintaining the election's legitimacy.
Implications and Forecast
The political crisis threatens Tanzania's democratic trajectory and regional stability. The release on bail of some opposition officials may signal a tentative opening, but ongoing treason prosecutions and lack of transparent investigations into abuses suggest repression will continue. Without genuine dialogue and accountability, tensions are likely to persist, potentially destabilizing governance and deterring foreign investment.
Impact on Citizens and the Region
The unrest and crackdown have disrupted daily life, with curfews, internet shutdowns, and closures of schools and businesses. The high death toll and repression undermine public trust in institutions and may fuel further unrest. Regionally, spillover effects such as protests crossing into Kenya highlight the broader implications for East African stability.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports the release on bail of four senior Chadema officials, including Vice Chairman John Heche and Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, highlighting ongoing government efforts to suppress opposition leadership. Reuters corroborates these developments and details the treason charges against over 145 protest suspects, emphasizing the scale of legal actions against dissenters. The Independent provides insight into the Catholic Church's condemnation of the killings and the postponement of treason trials due to witness security concerns, underscoring the fraught justice environment. France 24 offers a detailed account of the government's crackdown, including arrests of opposition figures and allegations of targeted killings, while also citing the Kenya Human Rights Commission's claim of up to 3,000 deaths, illustrating the contested death toll. All Africa presents a comprehensive overview of the election's disputed nature, the internet blackout, and international reactions, including EU and UN calls for investigations and restraint. The South China Morning Post and Bloomberg contextualize Hassan's landslide victory amid accusations of authoritarianism and repression, noting the unprecedented scale of the crackdown. Together, these sources paint a picture of a deeply flawed electoral process, a harsh government response to protests, and significant international concern over Tanzania's democratic backsliding.
How we got here
Tanzania's 2025 election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan win a landslide amid exclusion of main opposition leaders, including Chadema's Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. The election was marred by repression, arrests, and alleged human rights abuses, triggering nationwide protests and a harsh government crackdown.
Go deeper
- What triggered the protests in Tanzania after the 2025 election?
- Who are the main opposition leaders involved in the crisis?
- What has been the international response to Tanzania's election and unrest?
Common question
-
Is the Tanzania Election 2025 Credible Amid Unrest?
The 2025 Tanzania election has sparked widespread unrest, protests, and questions about its legitimacy. With opposition parties disqualified and reports of violence, many are wondering if the election results truly reflect the will of the people. Here, we explore the key issues surrounding this controversial election and answer common questions about its credibility, impact, and future implications.
-
What Caused the Violence After Tanzania's Election?
The recent presidential election in Tanzania has sparked widespread violence and unrest. Understanding what led to this turmoil involves looking at the electoral process, opposition suppression, and reports of human rights abuses. Many are asking: what exactly caused the violence, and what does it mean for Tanzania's future? Below, we explore key questions about the election, the legitimacy of the results, and the international response.
-
Why Did Tanzania's Election Lead to Deadly Protests?
The recent Tanzanian election has sparked widespread unrest, with reports of violence, arrests, and a disputed result. Many are asking what caused this turmoil and what it means for Tanzania's future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this crisis, including allegations of election fraud, government responses, and international reactions.
-
How Do Election Violence and Military Strikes Impact Global Stability?
Recent events like Tanzania's contested election and US naval strikes against drug vessels have raised concerns about regional and global stability. These incidents prompt questions about how political unrest and military actions influence international peace, security, and diplomacy. Below, we explore key questions to understand the broader implications of these crises and what they mean for the world today.
-
How Do Countries Handle Election Disputes and Violence?
Election disputes can lead to protests, violence, and questions about legitimacy. Countries respond in various ways, from legal challenges to security crackdowns. Understanding how governments manage these situations helps explain the risks and international reactions involved. Below, we explore common methods countries use to handle election protests, suppress opposition, and how international observers influence fairness and stability during disputed elections.
-
Why Did Tanzania's Election Lead to Deadly Protests?
The recent Tanzanian election has sparked widespread unrest and violence, raising questions about the fairness of the process and the government's response. With opposition parties barred and reports of heavy-handed crackdowns, many are asking what caused this crisis and what it means for Tanzania's future. Below, we explore the key issues behind the protests and the international reactions to this controversial election.
-
Why Are Elections in Africa So Contentious?
Elections across Africa often spark intense debates and conflicts. From allegations of fraud to government crackdowns, many factors contribute to the contentious nature of these votes. Curious about what causes these disputes and how they impact stability? Below, we explore the main reasons behind Africa's election conflicts and what international observers are doing to help ensure fairer processes.
-
How Do International Observers Assess Election Fairness?
Election integrity is a critical issue worldwide, especially when allegations of fraud and repression surface. International observers play a key role in evaluating whether elections are free and fair. But how exactly do they assess election fairness, and what signs do they look for? Below, we explore how these assessments are made and what they reveal about the state of democracy in contested elections like Tanzania's recent vote.
-
How Does Political Unrest Impact African Economies?
Political unrest in Africa, such as contested elections and armed conflicts, can have profound effects on local economies. From disrupting markets to deterring investment, unrest can slow growth and cause long-term damage. Curious about how these events influence economic stability and what role international players have? Below, we explore key questions about the economic fallout of political crises across the continent.
-
What Are the Latest Major Political and Economic Crises Around the World?
Global politics and economics are constantly shifting, with recent events highlighting significant crises that impact regional stability and international relations. From contested elections to border disputes and government scandals, understanding these issues is crucial. Below, we explore some of the most pressing crises happening right now and answer common questions about their causes, effects, and future implications.
More on these topics
-
Samia Hassan Suluhu is a Tanzanian CCM politician. She became Tanzania's first-ever female Vice-President after she was announced Vice-President of Tanzania in the 2015 General Elections, alongside John Magufuli the President.
-
The Party for Democracy and Progress, commonly known as Chadema, is a center-right political party in Tanzania.
Chadema is the second-largest political party in the National Assembly of Tanzania and campaigns largely on an anti-corruption platform.
-
Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north; Kenya to the northeast; Comoro Islands and the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to the
-
Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu is a Tanzanian lawyer, CHADEMA politician and Member of Parliament for Singida East constituency since 2010.
-
The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM, lit. 'Party of the Revolution') is the dominant, ruling party in Tanzania. It was formed in 1977 from a merger between the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), which were the sole opera
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
-
John John Mnyika is a Tanzanian CHADEMA politician and Member of Parliament for Ubungo constituency since 2010.
-
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
-
John Pombe Joseph Magufuli (29 October 1959 – 17 March 2021) was a Tanzanian politician who served as the country's fifth president, serving from 2015 until his death in 2021. He served as Minister of Works, Transport and Communications from 2000 to 200