Tanzania has entered a period of intensified political tension following national elections earlier this week, with the main opposition party alleging that over 700 civilians have died during mass protests—a figure the government has not officially acknowledged. The Tanzanian government has instead described the situation as one involving “isolated incidents” and maintains that order is being restored.
The opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), whose leader has been in custody since April on treason charges, claims that the unrest was sparked by the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s two most prominent challengers from the electoral process. The party has also cited increasing repression in the lead-up to the vote, which took place on Wednesday.
The government has yet to publish casualty figures and has not responded to multiple requests for comment on the death toll. However, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has confirmed that it has received credible reports of at least ten fatalities in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. These are the first internationally verified estimates of deaths associated with the protests.
Protests have erupted across several cities, with reports of security forces deploying tear gas and live ammunition in efforts to disperse crowds. Reuters documented that buildings, including government offices, have been set ablaze. In response, a night-time curfew has been imposed in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, for two consecutive nights. Internet access has also been significantly disrupted since election day.
Military and police patrols were observed on Friday across key urban areas. Movement restrictions have been imposed, with the government extending remote work directives to civil servants. According to John Kitoka, CHADEMA’s spokesperson, the party has documented over 700 fatalities through informal networks, including health professionals. These claims remain unverified by independent sources but reflect the severity of the grievances.
The electoral commission began announcing provisional results on Thursday, showing President Hassan with significant leads across multiple constituencies. Opposition figures contend that the results are not reflective of a fair contest, pointing to the pre-election disqualification of key candidates and broader limitations on political participation. International observers, including members of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, have characterised the elections as having unfolded under conditions of “intimidation, repression and fear.”
The Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on state television on Friday, addressing the international community. It acknowledged the presence of unrest but emphasised that the measures taken, including curfews and heightened security, are “temporary and necessary.” The ministry affirmed that “normalcy will return shortly.”
In Geneva, UN spokesperson Seif Magango urged Tanzanian security forces to exercise restraint and called upon protestors to remain peaceful. He reiterated that law enforcement must avoid “unnecessary or disproportionate force.”
The social and political turbulence poses a significant challenge to President Hassan’s leadership. Since assuming office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, Hassan had initially earned commendation for relaxing some political restrictions. However, her administration has more recently been accused of reversing democratic gains through increased arrests of opposition figures and a lack of transparency surrounding alleged human rights abuses.
While state officials have reiterated a commitment to peace and order, civil society and regional observers stress the importance of inclusive democratic processes that do not marginalise dissenting voices. Tanzania’s current predicament underscores the fragility of electoral institutions in rapidly changing African political landscapes. It also prompts a broader continental reflection on the balance between security, governance, and the will of the people.
From a Pan-African perspective, the events in Tanzania represent not merely an internal political issue, but a continental challenge to democratic consolidation, citizen participation, and institutional trust. With upcoming elections in several other African countries, the implications for regional stability and democratic norms are far-reaching.
There has been no official response from the African Union at the time of writing. However, regional actors and human rights organisations continue to monitor the situation closely, calling for transparency, calm, and urgent electoral reform.
