Tanzania is reeling from a wave of post-election violence that has left around 700 people dead, according to the opposition party Chadema. The unrest erupted after the October 29, 2025 general election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan run virtually unopposed following the exclusion or detention of key opposition candidates.
Opposition spokesperson John Kitoka told AFP:
“As we speak the figure for deaths in Dar (es Salaam) is around 350 and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700.” Al Arabiya English KahawaTungu
The protests began on Wednesday and intensified across major cities including Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Demonstrators clashed with riot police, tore down campaign posters, and stormed polling stations. The government imposed a nighttime curfew and an internet blackout, which has made independent verification of the death toll difficult.
France 24 reported that the election was marred by widespread repression:
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose government is accused of a campaign of repression, had sought to cement her position and silence critics in her party in the virtually uncontested polls.” France 24
News24 added that international organizations have offered conflicting figures:
“The United Nations confirmed that it has received ‘credible reports’ confirming that at least 10 people have died in the unrest. Amnesty says at least 100 have been killed.” News24
Despite the discrepancy in numbers, the consensus across opposition groups and local sources points to a catastrophic loss of life. The Chadema party has warned that the actual toll may be higher due to killings during curfew hours and lack of media access.
KahawaTungu highlighted the ongoing nature of the protests:
“Protesters are still on the streets in the midst of an internet blackout.” KahawaTungu
The international community has yet to issue a unified response, though human rights groups are calling for investigations into alleged abuses and vote rigging.
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