Tanzania descended into lockdown on Thursday, October 30, 2025, following a day of violent unrest and a nationwide communications blackout that paralyzed the country just hours after polls closed in the contentious general election.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking to tighten her grip on power in a race widely criticized as one-sided, faced mounting chaos as unconfirmed reports suggested dozens of deaths amid protests and police crackdowns. Most opposition challengers had either been disqualified or jailed ahead of the vote, leaving the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) virtually unopposed.
In the days leading up to the polls, human rights groups condemned what they described as a “wave of terror”, citing a surge in abductions, intimidation, and disappearances targeting critics and activists.
Despite a heavy security presence on election day, protesters poured into the streets of Dar es Salaam and several other cities, chanting “We want our country back.” Witnesses and unverified social media footage showed security forces allegedly firing live ammunition at demonstrators and clashing with crowds near polling stations and businesses linked to the ruling party.
A diplomatic source told AFP that the violence persisted into the night despite a police-imposed curfew, adding that internet access remained cut on Thursday as military and police checkpoints were established around major cities. Schools and government offices were shuttered, with civil servants instructed to work from home.
While official media remained silent, reports from multiple regions including Songwe, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam indicated widespread unrest and property destruction. The same diplomatic source suggested that up to 30 people may have been killed, though the figures remain unverified.
“This is unprecedented,” the source said. “Where Tanzania goes from here is uncertain even President Hassan’s position seems unstable.”
Much of the online outrage has been directed toward Abdul Hassan, the president’s son, accused of leading an informal security task force overseeing election operations. The unit has been blamed for a spike in abductions of government critics in recent days, including the disappearance of popular influencer Niffer, who had mocked the government in satirical videos before the vote.
Amnesty International described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” confirming two deaths through verified footage and warning of a high risk of further escalation if authorities continue using force. Opposition figures from Chadema claimed at least four fatalities but admitted they could not confirm the exact number.
President Hassan, who rose to power in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, was once praised for loosening restrictions on the opposition and media. However, human rights monitors now accuse her administration of overseeing a renewed crackdown marked by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of critics.
Her main challenger, Tundu Lissu, is currently on trial for treason, facing a possible death sentence, while the only other serious opponent, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was barred from the race on procedural grounds leaving voters with few real choices.
As the country remains on edge, observers say Tanzania’s democratic future hangs in the balance, with international attention now focused on how the government responds to growing unrest and calls for transparency.
