In a dramatic turn of events, Tanzania has found itself at the center of international scrutiny following its disputed October 29, 2025, general elections. What began as a routine vote has escalated into a nationwide crisis, with allegations of electoral fraud, violent crackdowns on protesters, and mounting calls for accountability reverberating far beyond the country's borders.
On November 25, 2025, the Tanzanian government issued a strongly worded diplomatic protest against the European Parliament’s scheduled debate on the elections and their aftermath. The debate, titled "Post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania, including the case of imprisoned opposition leader Tundu Lissu," was set to proceed without Tanzanian officials being invited to present their perspective. In a diplomatic note from the Tanzanian Embassy in Brussels, Foreign Minister January Makinda expressed "deep concern" that such a "matter of gravity touching directly on the sovereignty and reputation of the United Republic of Tanzania" was being advanced without affording the government an opportunity to clarify facts. According to the statement, "the debate risks being informed by unverified reports and one-sided narratives," referencing the EU-OACPS "Samoa" Agreement that governs relations between Europe and African states.
The elections themselves were marred by chaos and controversy. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, of the long-ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, was declared the winner with a staggering 97.6% of the vote—a figure that quickly drew skepticism. Opposition parties Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo were barred from participating, igniting protests in cities like Dar es Salaam and Mbeya. Demonstrations spiraled out of control, leading to deadly clashes with security forces, the imposition of curfews, an internet blackout, and widespread reports of ballot stuffing, abductions, and enforced disappearances.
The European Union wasted no time in condemning the polls, labeling them "neither free nor fair." The EU cited systematic repression, intimidation, and violence that severely limited civic space. On November 20, 2025, EU Parliament committees objected to €156 million in funding for Tanzania, citing "democratic backsliding"—a move widely seen as a political signal against growing authoritarianism in the country.
In response to international criticism, Tanzania has doubled down on its narrative, insisting that the vote was transparent and that the unrest is being exaggerated by foreign actors. The government has established a national Commission of Inquiry to probe the violence and unrest, although critics question its independence. President Hassan, who was sworn in on November 4 at a subdued military ceremony, has dismissed external criticism as interference and instead called for internal reconciliation.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, a prominent figure in Chadema, remains detained on treason charges—charges he vehemently denies. Another opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, had his candidacy rejected on technical grounds. The opposition and civil society groups accuse the government of orchestrating a "mockery of democracy," with the vote and its aftermath serving as stark evidence of shrinking political freedoms.
International observers have echoed these concerns. The African Union Election Observation Mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, concluded that the elections "did not comply with AU principles" due to legal flaws, restricted freedoms, procedural irregularities, and the internet shutdown. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) similarly stated that the process "fell short" of regional standards, citing "violence, censorship, and general intimidation" that prevented voters from expressing their will freely. The United Nations, through High Commissioner Volker Türk, expressed alarm over "hundreds" of killings and detentions, demanding investigations and the unconditional release of detainees like Lissu.
As the political crisis deepened, the Tanzanian government took further steps to prevent unrest. On November 27, authorities ordered petrol stations to limit fuel sales to tuk-tuks and motorbikes to just two litres—a move aimed squarely at curtailing planned demonstrations scheduled for December 9, 2025. Police Commander Nestory John of Chunya District explained that boda boda riders and tuk-tuk drivers were often used to transport protesters, warning oil dealers against selling petrol along roadside areas. "We advise that ahead of the December 9, the boda boda riders and tuk tuk operators should not be sold more than two liters of fuel," he said.
December 9, which coincided with Tanzania’s Independence Day, was set aside by opposition parties for fresh demonstrations protesting what they described as a "sham election." In a move that surprised many, the government canceled the celebrations, redirecting funds to rebuild infrastructure damaged during the unrest. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba stated, "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." His call for dialogue was echoed as the government sought to ease tensions, with President Hassan urging prosecutors to "show leniency" toward those charged in connection with the protests. At least 240 people were charged with treason—a charge that carries the death penalty in Tanzania—but many have reportedly already been released following these calls for leniency.
Despite these measures, the opposition and human rights groups remain deeply skeptical. An international coalition of lawyers and human rights groups has formally petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate President Samia and her government for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the post-election unrest. The 82-page document, submitted to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor on November 13, details allegations of mass killings and the secret disposal of more than 500 bodies. The government, meanwhile, has criticized the portrayal of these events by international media as attempts to tarnish Tanzania’s image, insisting that the country is safe and that the commission of inquiry will provide clarity.
Gruesome images and videos of dead Tanzanians have circulated widely online, with international media verifying some of the footage as authentic. The government’s five-day internet blackout, imposed from election day onward, did little to stem the flow of information, instead fueling further outrage and suspicion. The opposition believes that hundreds, possibly thousands, died in the crackdown, but the government has yet to release an official death toll. The commission of inquiry—seen by many as staffed by ruling party loyalists—has become another focal point of contention, with critics doubting its ability to deliver impartial justice.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came into office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president after the death of John Magufuli, was initially praised for easing some political repression. However, the events surrounding the 2025 election have cast a long shadow over her legacy, as the political space has dramatically narrowed and the country’s democratic credentials are under intense scrutiny.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of its most contentious election in decades, the nation stands at a crossroads. With opposition leaders still detained, international pressure mounting, and citizens demanding accountability, the path forward remains uncertain. The world watches closely as Tanzanians continue to seek answers—and justice—for the violence that has shaken their country to its core.
