Tanzania, long considered one of East Africa’s most politically stable nations, is now facing a storm of unrest following the October 29, 2025 general election. What began as a routine democratic exercise has turned into a nationwide standoff — a test not only of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership but also of the country’s democratic foundations.

The Election That Sparked the Storm

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), sought a new mandate after four years in office. While CCM has ruled Tanzania since independence, this year’s election was marred by controversy even before voting began.

Two major opposition leaders — Tundu Lissu (Chadema) and Zitto Kabwe (ACT-Wazalendo) — were disqualified earlier in the year under disputed grounds. Their exclusion left many Tanzanians feeling robbed of genuine choice.

On election day, reports from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Zanzibar showed low voter turnout, confusion at polling stations, and accusations of ballot stuffing. Social media was flooded with claims of intimidation, voter bribery, and internet blackouts.

Streets of Unrest: From Peaceful Protest to Chaos

By the morning of October 30, frustration had spilled into the streets. Demonstrations erupted in major towns as opposition supporters rejected early results that appeared to overwhelmingly favor the ruling party.

In Dar es Salaam, burning tires blocked roads, and police used tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds. In Zanzibar, where memories of past post-election violence remain raw, protesters clashed with security forces, leaving several injured.

Witnesses described a tense scene: “We just wanted our votes to count. Now, people are running for their lives,” said a student in Mwanza.

Opposition groups claim that hundreds have died in the ensuing violence — though official figures remain unconfirmed. Human rights observers have called for an independent investigation, warning that Tanzania’s democracy is “bleeding.”

Silence Online: The Great Internet Shutdown

As the chaos spread, Tanzanians woke up to something eerily familiar — a digital blackout. Internet services slowed to a crawl, social media apps were restricted, and messaging services became unreliable.

The move, seen as an attempt to control the narrative, further angered citizens and attracted global criticism.
Digital rights groups condemned the blackout as “a deliberate assault on free expression at a time the nation needs transparency most.”

The President Speaks

In a national address on Friday morning, President Samia Suluhu urged for calm, calling on Tanzanians to “accept the results peacefully and trust the nation’s institutions.”

However, critics argue that her government’s heavy-handed response — including military deployment in cities — only deepened mistrust.
Opposition leaders, still under tight surveillance, have rejected the results entirely, describing the polls as a “state-orchestrated coronation, not an election.

Regional Ripples: East Africa Watching Closely

Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are watching Tanzania’s turmoil with growing concern. As one of the region’s economic anchors, Tanzania’s instability could disrupt trade, tourism, and regional transport routes.

The East African Community (EAC) has called for restraint, while the African Union has requested dialogue between the government and opposition to avert further violence.

Analysts warn that prolonged unrest could tarnish Tanzania’s reputation as a peaceful democracy and discourage international investment — especially in its growing energy and tourism sectors.

🧭 What Happens Next

1. Official Results: The National Electoral Commission is expected to release full results soon.
2. Opposition Response: Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo are reportedly preparing a joint statement calling for peaceful mass protests.
3. International Mediation: Pressure is mounting on the AU and UN to step in before the situation escalates.
4. Economic Fallout: Tourism and trade sectors are already bracing for the impact as curfews hit major cities.

Whether Tanzania emerges from this crisis stronger or more divided will depend on how its leaders respond in the coming days.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Tanzanian election will likely be remembered not for who won, but for what it revealed — a nation at a crossroads between control and democracy.

If dialogue replaces confrontation, Tanzania could still find its path toward healing and reform. But if force continues to answer freedom, then East Africa’s beacon of stability risks dimming into yet another story of lost democratic promise.

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