Tanzania faces deadly post-election unrest. The opposition party Chadema claims 700 deaths during protests, while the UN reports at least 10 confirmed fatalities amid growing political tension.
Tanzania is facing one of its most violent political crises in recent years following the general elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, has alleged that around 700 people have been killed during three days of protests that erupted after the announcement of preliminary results. The unrest has been particularly intense in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, two of the country’s largest cities.
However, the United Nations (UN) has offered a more cautious assessment, stating there are “credible reports of at least 10 deaths” so far. The Tanzanian government has not released an official death toll but insists that these are merely “isolated incidents” and that the situation remains under control.
The protests began after opposition leaders accused the government of rigging the election and blocking several major candidates from participating. The electoral commission declared the ruling party’s victory, but Chadema and other opposition groups denounced the results as fraudulent, claiming widespread irregularities across polling stations.
Eyewitnesses have described violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Footage shared online shows burning barricades, tear gas clouds, and soldiers patrolling empty streets. In response to the growing chaos, authorities imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, deploying both police and military units to restore order.
Access to the internet and social media platforms has been severely restricted, preventing many citizens from sharing information and raising concerns about transparency. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the government’s response, calling for an independent international investigation into the alleged killings and abuses.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has firmly denied accusations of excessive force, stating that the government’s priority is to preserve national peace and security. In an official statement, government spokespersons accused opposition figures of spreading misinformation aimed at destabilizing the country.
For many Tanzanians, the situation is reminiscent of the violent post-election unrest of 2020, when dozens of people were killed following another disputed vote. Analysts warn that if the current crisis is not resolved through dialogue and transparency, it could undermine Tanzania’s reputation as one of East Africa’s most stable democracies.
Regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) have urged all political actors to show restraint and prioritize peace. Meanwhile, local religious leaders and civil society groups are calling for calm, urging both the government and opposition to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
As the death toll remains contested and fear grips the streets, Tanzanians are left wondering what lies ahead. Will the government open the door to reconciliation and reform, or will this crisis deepen the divisions within the nation? Only time will tell whether peace will return — or if the violence will continue to shape Tanzania’s political future.