Tanzania Election Protests Hundreds Feared Dead in 2025 Unrest

Tanzania election protests erupt after disputed 2025 vote, with opposition claiming hundreds killed and UN confirming fatalities. Latest updates on unrest and government crackdown.

Tanzania is witnessing widespread unrest following this week’s disputed elections, with the opposition claiming hundreds of fatalities, while the United Nations reports at least 10 deaths. Citizens have taken to the streets to protest restricted election choices and government crackdowns on opposition leaders.

Opposition Claims Hundreds Killed

Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, alleges that violent clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in significant casualties. According to party spokesperson John Kitoka, approximately 350 people have died in Dar-es-Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza. Nationwide, the opposition estimates the total could reach around 700 deaths.

Kitoka stated that party representatives visited hospitals across the country to compile these figures, while AFP reported receiving similar information from security sources.

However, Al Jazeera has not been able to independently verify these claims, and the Tanzanian government has yet to release official casualty numbers. Authorities have only stated that security forces are working to restore order following “isolated incidents.”

UN Confirms Some Fatalities

In contrast to the opposition’s figures, the United Nations has confirmed at least 10 deaths. UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango called on security forces to avoid using “unnecessary or disproportionate force” and urged de-escalation of tensions.

Protests Erupt Across Major Cities

Protests began on Wednesday in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital of over seven million people, after elections barred major opposition parties from participating. Demonstrators set fire to vehicles, petrol stations, and police stations, expressing outrage over limited election choices and harassment of opposition figures.

By Friday, hundreds of protesters continued to clash with police, demanding the national electoral commission halt the announcement of election results. In response, the government deployed the military and imposed an internet shutdown.

Chadema’s Kitoka said:

“We are calling for the protests to continue until our demands for electoral reforms are met.”

Curfews and Security Crackdowns

Protesters who defied curfews in districts such as Mbagala and Gongo la Mboto were met with tear gas and gunfire. State television continued broadcasting results showing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, seeking to extend its rule.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in office since 2021 after the death of former President John Magufuli, has faced criticism over human rights abuses, including attacks, disappearances, and alleged torture of critics.

Opposition Leaders Disqualified

Only minor opposition figures were allowed to contest the elections after the Independent National Electoral Commission disqualified Chadema in April for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct.

Party leader Tundu Lissu was arrested for calling for electoral reforms and charged with treason. Luhaga Mpina, candidate of ACT-Wazalendo, the second-largest opposition party, was also barred from the race.

Warnings From Human Rights Groups

Local and international watchdogs have long raised concerns over Tanzania’s election process. In June, a panel of nine UN experts labeled the government’s actions “unacceptable,” citing more than 200 disappearances since 2019. Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented multiple instances of politically motivated harassment and extensive restrictions on media and civil society.

HRW’s researcher Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka warned that the October elections were at “great risk” of being neither free nor fair.

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Controversy in Zanzibar

While the mainland experienced violent unrest, Zanzibar’s elections remained calmer under heavy military presence. The incumbent, President Hussein Mwinyi, reportedly won 78.8% of the vote, but the opposition alleges “massive fraud” and has promised to announce further actions.

Education and Civil Life Disrupted

Due to ongoing protests, the government postponed the reopening of colleges and universities, which had been scheduled for next Monday. Army chief Jacob John Mkunda pledged that the military would continue working with security forces to contain the unrest.

Conclusion

Tanzania faces a critical period of political instability following elections widely criticized for excluding opposition parties. The situation highlights growing concerns over human rights violations, limited political freedoms, and the urgent need for electoral reforms.

Tanzania Election Protests