Tanzania’s Election Unrest Turns Deadly With Hundreds Feared Dead

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured another term after being declared the winner of the presidential election amid widespread unrest. According to the electoral commission, Samia won 98% of the votes, nearly sweeping the 32 million ballots cast in Wednesday's election. Over the past three days, protests following the vote have turned deadly, with the main opposition party alleging that hundreds have been killed. The demonstrations, largely led by young protesters, reflect growing anger over what many see as a deeply unfair election.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania's first female president in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, now faces accusations that her government has eroded democratic principles by silencing opposition voices. One opposition leader is imprisoned, another barred from running—moves that critics say helped the ruling CCM tighten its grip on power. Speaking to the BBC, Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the unrest as “a few isolated pockets of incidents here and there,” adding that security forces acted “swiftly and decisively” to restore order.

Efforts by journalists and human rights groups to verify the death toll have been blocked, with hospitals reportedly refusing to share casualty data. The UN has urged Tanzania’s security forces to avoid excessive force, while foreign ministers from the UK, Canada, and Norway have jointly called for “maximum restraint” and the protection of free expression. Meanwhile, tourists at the island’s airport are facing long delays as protests and an ongoing internet blackout continue to disrupt travel. International monitors have condemned the violence and the lack of transparency surrounding the vote.