When Tanzanians went to the polls on October 29, 2025, global attention was fixed on a nation that had once made history by electing East Africa’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan. This year’s elections, however, unfolded amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, suppression of dissent, and accusations that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) had tilted the process in its favor.
A Race Without Rivalry
President Samia Suluhu was widely seen as running virtually unopposed after the main opposition party, CHADEMA, was disqualified from participating. The exclusion came after the April 12 arrest of its leader, Tundu Lissu, who had called for electoral reforms before being charged with treason. Several other opposition figures, including deputy chairperson John Heche, were later detained a move CHADEMA condemned as an attempt to silence dissent until after the election.
A Nation in the Dark
As election day unfolded, the flow of information from Tanzania grew dim both literally and figuratively. State broadcaster TBC provided minimal updates before resuming regular programming, leaving citizens and observers with little verified information.
By Saturday, the electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu the winner, announcing she had secured 98% of the vote. The swearing-in ceremony took place privately at State House in Dodoma, with no public attendance a stark contrast to past inaugurations held in open stadiums.
In Dar es Salaam, authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after violent protests erupted. Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed the deployment of military officers to enforce order but did not specify when the curfew would be lifted.
Reports also surfaced of widespread internet outages and power blackouts, leaving Tanzania isolated from the outside world. The blackout hindered media coverage and sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis, with foreign embassies issuing travel advisories warning of food, fuel, and cash shortages.
Unverified Casualties and Growing Panic
As communication lines went dark, unverified reports of violence spread. AFP cited claims of hundreds possibly thousands of deaths since protests began, though restricted media access has made confirmation impossible. CHADEMA later claimed at least 700 people had been killed.
Flight data revealed a near shutdown of Tanzanian airspace, with only three flights visible at 9:45 a.m. EAT on Saturday far fewer than in neighboring countries. Some foreigners, including Kenyan publicist Anyiko Woko, reported being stranded in Dar es Salaam due to cancelled flights and transport paralysis.
Disinformation in the Shadows
The communication blackout created fertile ground for misinformation. With international media blocked from entering Tanzania, social platforms in neighboring countries flooded with unverifiable content. AI-generated images and miscaptioned videos went viral, including one falsely suggesting President Suluhu had fled to Uganda.
International Calls for Peace and Dialogue
Global leaders and organizations have urged calm and dialogue. African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat extended congratulations to President Suluhu but expressed sorrow over the loss of life. He called for respect for the rule of law, human rights, and political pluralism.
Pope Leo XIV also appealed for peace, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “May we pray together for Tanzania… I urge everyone to avoid violence and choose the path of dialogue.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and offered to facilitate talks, urging all parties to “exercise restraint, reject violence, and engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue.”
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) echoed these sentiments, with its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairperson, Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika, emphasizing that the region is “closely monitoring developments” and urging all actors to “refrain from actions that may escalate unrest.”
As Tanzania stands at a crossroads, the world watches anxiously waiting to see whether Africa’s trailblazing female president can restore stability, or whether her historic legacy will be overshadowed by a deepening political crisis.
