Tanzania’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob John Mkunda, has issued a strong warning to citizens following widespread unrest across the country after Wednesday’s October 29 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, General Mkunda condemned acts of violence and vandalism witnessed during and after election day, calling them criminal and unacceptable. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working with other security agencies to restore peace and stability nationwide.
“Fellow citizens, on October 29, 2025, while our country was conducting a general election, certain individuals engaged in criminal activities that threaten the peace and stability of our nation,” said General Mkunda. “These acts involved the destruction of public infrastructure and damage to both public and private property. Such behaviour is intolerable and must be stopped immediately.”
The army chief emphasised that Tanzania is a nation governed by the rule of law, urging those participating in unlawful acts to cease immediately or face the consequences.
“The Tanzanian Defence Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have contained the situation and will continue to reinforce security across the country. Our nation operates under the rule of law, which must be respected by all. Those who continue to engage in criminal acts will face lawful action,” he warned.
The warning follows reports of violent demonstrations in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Tunduma, where protesters clashed with police, prompting the imposition of a 6:00 p.m. curfew in some areas. Hospitals in the capital reported several casualties and injuries linked to the unrest.
Protesters have been demanding electoral reforms and broader political freedoms, with some resorting to acts of vandalism, including setting vehicles ablaze and damaging public property.
The tensions emerged amid a highly contested general election in which President Samia Suluhu’s ruling CCM party was widely expected to retain power. Several opposition figures faced legal challenges leading up to the polls, and one major opposition party opted to boycott the election entirely.
General Mkunda’s statement underscores the government’s intent to maintain order and stability as Tanzania grapples with one of its most tense post-election periods in recent years.
