In the wake of Tanzania’s fiercely disputed general elections held on October 29, 2025, the country has been thrust into a maelstrom of violence, political strife, and a mounting crisis of legitimacy. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 1, securing what the government claims was an overwhelming 97.66 percent—some sources cite 98 percent—of the vote. She was sworn in for a second term on November 3. Yet, the circumstances surrounding her victory have left the nation deeply divided and the international community alarmed.
The election, already shadowed by controversy, saw the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, barred from running and arrested in April 2025 on charges of treason—a crime that carries the death penalty. According to Africa Check and Mwanzo TV, Lissu was detained after calling for electoral reforms at a public rally. The government’s move to charge him with treason was widely viewed as a direct attempt to silence dissent and eliminate a formidable rival. The government, however, maintains that opposition candidates were not barred but chose not to participate, claiming, as President Hassan put it, “they already knew they would not succeed.”
The run-up to and aftermath of the vote were marred by widespread violence and vandalism. Human rights organizations estimate that hundreds of people lost their lives in the unrest, with Chadema claiming the death toll may exceed 2,000—a figure the government has called exaggerated. The true number remains unknown, as authorities have yet to release an official count, and reports have surfaced of many bodies never being returned to families. According to Mwanzo TV, President Hassan defended the actions of security forces, arguing on December 3 that the killings were necessary to prevent an overthrow of the government. She described the protests as coordinated attacks on government buildings, orchestrated by foreign interests seeking to destabilize Tanzania.
Police responded to the unrest with live ammunition and tear gas, as clashes spread across several regions. The government’s focus has been on reporting property destruction rather than providing clarity on casualties. Rights groups, meanwhile, have documented a campaign of arrests, enforced disappearances, and alleged abductions targeting government critics—actions that have drawn sharp condemnation from local and international observers. Chadema and other opposition parties accuse the authorities of targeting even low-level online critics of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, which has never lost power since independence.
The crisis has not gone unnoticed beyond Tanzania’s borders. The European Parliament condemned the violence and the exclusion of Lissu from the electoral process. In a significant move, it voted to suspend planned aid to Tanzania, citing concerns over human rights abuses and the integrity of the election. The European Parliament also called for an African-led commission to investigate the killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other violations that occurred during the election period. President Hassan, for her part, has dismissed such criticism as “foreign interference” and “colonial-style meddling,” stating, “They still think they are our masters, they are our colonisers.” She has similarly rebuffed criticism from the United States and other international actors, insisting that Tanzania’s sovereignty must be respected.
Despite the mounting evidence of irregularities and violence, the government has steadfastly maintained that the election was free and fair. The main opposition parties, however, were either disqualified on technical grounds or saw their leaders jailed, and Chadema refused to sign a new electoral code of conduct, arguing that meaningful reforms were needed to ensure a level playing field. The government’s insistence on the legitimacy of the process stands in stark contrast to the accounts of international observers and the lived experience of many Tanzanians.
As rumors and misinformation swirl on social media, some posts have falsely claimed that the presidential results were nullified and that a fresh election would be held once Tundu Lissu is released. These claims, which have gone viral, were debunked by Africa Check and have not been corroborated by any credible news outlet or official statement. The INEC has made no mention of nullifying the results, and both local and international media confirm that President Hassan remains in office. The danger of misinformation is especially acute during periods of political upheaval, and experts warn that citizens should rely on trusted sources for updates.
The situation remains volatile. Fresh protests have been called for December 9, 2025, raising fears of further violence. Tensions are high, and the country’s democratic space appears to be shrinking, with rights groups expressing deep concern over the prospect of renewed crackdowns. Authorities have continued to detain critics and opposition figures, and the government’s refusal to acknowledge the scale of the violence has only deepened the sense of crisis.
The international community faces a dilemma: how to pressure Tanzania’s government to respect human rights and democratic norms without fueling accusations of neocolonialism or foreign interference. The European Union’s suspension of aid is a significant step, but President Hassan’s rhetoric suggests that such measures may only harden the government’s resolve. Meanwhile, the opposition and civil society activists are left to navigate an increasingly perilous landscape, as calls for accountability and reform are met with repression.
For ordinary Tanzanians, the stakes could hardly be higher. The violence and uncertainty have upended daily life for many, and the prospect of further unrest looms large. The government’s insistence on its own narrative, coupled with the absence of transparency about casualties and accountability for abuses, has left a gaping wound in the nation’s political fabric. Whether Tanzania can find a path toward genuine reconciliation and democratic renewal remains an open—and urgent—question.
As the world watches and Tanzanians brace for the next chapter, the events of late 2025 stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the high cost of contested power. The coming days will test not only the resilience of Tanzania’s people but also the resolve of the international community to stand up for basic rights and the rule of law.