Tanzania’s usually jubilant Independence Day celebrations, set for December 9, 2025, have been abruptly cancelled in the wake of national turmoil following the country’s fiercely contested October 29 elections. The government’s decision, announced by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on November 24, comes after weeks of unrest that left hundreds—possibly thousands—dead, according to tallies by rights groups and opposition sources, and sparked widespread outrage over alleged vote rigging and a brutal security crackdown.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was declared the winner with a staggering 98% of the vote, faces mounting criticism as opposition leaders remain behind bars or have been disqualified, and observers point to clear signs of electoral manipulation. The fallout from the disputed election has plunged Tanzania into a period of introspection and uncertainty, with the shadow of violence looming over a date that is typically reserved for national pride and unity.
Instead of the usual parades and festivities, the government has pledged to redirect the funds earmarked for Independence Day towards rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the unrest. Prime Minister Nchemba urged citizens to reflect, stating, “I urge my fellow Tanzanians to come together and discuss the issues affecting us. Let us not return to what we went through, because the consequences are irreparable,” as reported by AFP.
The unrest that erupted during and after the October 29 vote was both swift and severe. According to BBC, polling began smoothly, but violence quickly flared in several regions. Security forces responded with force, and reports from human rights organizations and opposition parties claim that hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters were shot dead. The government, however, has not released an official death toll, deepening suspicions and grief among citizens.
Public anger was further inflamed by the arrest of hundreds of young people, many of whom were charged with treason—a crime that carries the death penalty in Tanzania. The severity of the charges shocked the nation, especially as stories emerged of youths caught up in the protests without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.
President Hassan, in a bid to ease tensions and signal a softer approach, issued an amnesty during the official opening of Parliament on November 14. She called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and security agencies to carefully review the cases of those arrested, particularly the young and those she described as having participated out of excitement or peer pressure. “I am aware that many young people were arrested and charged with treason. Some did not know what they were doing; others simply followed the crowd. As a mother, I direct our legal institutions to review these cases,” she said, as quoted by Mwananchi.
Her directive bore fruit on November 24, when the DPP began withdrawing treason and related charges against many suspects linked to the post-election violence. In Mwanza, a total of 139 suspects were released after the prosecution withdrew charges of treason, arson, malicious damage to public property, and armed robbery. Among those freed were 76 from Ilemela District and 63 from Nyamagana District—just a portion of the 281 individuals charged in these two districts after the three days of unrest that followed the election.
The process of releasing suspects unfolded in packed courtrooms, where families anxiously awaited the fate of their loved ones. In Ilemela, two cases were heard before Senior Resident Magistrates Stella Kiama and Christian Mwalimu. State attorneys, representing the DPP, requested the dismissal of charges against 57 suspects in one case and 19 in another, citing incomplete investigations and a lack of intent to proceed with prosecution. Magistrates granted the requests, and the courtrooms erupted in cheers and applause as the newly freed suspects were reunited with their families.
Not all cases were dropped, however. A handful of individuals remain in remand, with their next court appearance scheduled for December 1. Defence lawyers have urged authorities to expedite investigations for those still facing charges and called for the return of personal belongings seized during arrests.
Similar scenes played out in Nyamagana District, where 63 suspects were discharged in two separate cases. In one matter, 52 out of 57 accused were released, while in another, 11 out of 16 saw their charges withdrawn. The mass withdrawal of cases is part of a broader review of election-related prosecutions, a process that has been closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
Throughout the unrest, Tanzania experienced significant loss and destruction. According to The Citizen, property damage was extensive: private businesses, Bus Rapid Transit stations, filling stations, buses, vehicles, police posts, schools, hospitals, and even court buildings were torched or vandalized. The violence left several people dead, many more injured, and scarred communities across the nation.
In response to the crisis, the government established a commission of inquiry to investigate the events. Yet, the opposition has criticized the commission, alleging that it is staffed by ruling party loyalists and questioning its independence and ability to deliver justice. The government’s reluctance to disclose an official casualty count has only fueled skepticism and suspicion.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath, the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations stands as a stark symbol of a nation at a crossroads. The government’s focus on rebuilding and reconciliation is clear, but the deep wounds left by the violence—and the questions about the integrity of the electoral process—remain far from healed.
For now, the streets that would have been filled with music and patriotic displays are instead marked by the memories of protest and loss. The government’s promise to redirect resources toward reconstruction offers some hope for renewal, but many Tanzanians are left wondering when true accountability and unity will return.
The events of the past month have tested the country’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its people. As President Hassan’s administration seeks to move forward, the world watches to see whether Tanzania can chart a path toward healing and genuine political reform, or whether the scars of this election will linger for years to come.
