Violence Mars Tanzania’s Elections As President Hassan Tightens Grip on Power

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s bid to maintain a tight fist on power,  silence critics, and opposition has sparked deadly unrest across Tanzania, following an election widely seen as neither free nor fair. The elections, held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, saw her main challengers either jailed or disqualified, prompting outrage in several cities.

In the days leading up to the polls, human rights groups warned of what they called a “wave of terror” sweeping the East African country. Activists reported a rise in abductions, disappearances, and intimidation of opposition supporters and journalists. These incidents intensified in the final week before voting.

Despite a heavy security presence, hundreds of demonstrators poured into the streets of Dar es Salaam and other towns on election day, chanting “We want our country back.” It was initially a small gathering that swelled into large protests as anger mounted over reports of rigging and repression. Some police vehicles, polling centres, and businesses linked to the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party were reportedly attacked.

On Thursday morning, much of the country remained under an internet blackout. Checkpoints manned by police and soldiers appeared across major cities, while schools, universities, and government offices were ordered closed. Civil servants were instructed to work from home as a precaution.

The government has remained silent on both the election results and reports of violence. State-owned media made no mention of the protests, casualties, or curfew, focusing instead on “peaceful voting” and the “smooth conduct” of the polls.

Foreign journalists were barred from travelling to mainland Tanzania to cover the elections, limiting independent verification of events as they unfold.

Hassan’s path to victory was paved by the near-total suppression of her opponents. Her most prominent rival, Tundu Lissu of the opposition party Chadema, is currently on trial for treason, facing a potential death sentence. His party was banned from fielding candidates in the election. The only other significant challenger, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was also disqualified on technical grounds.

With no viable competition, Hassan’s CCM appeared poised to secure another term, extending the party’s rule that has lasted uninterrupted since Tanzania’s independence in 1961.

Hassan’s once-promising reformist image has been overshadowed by allegations of repression. When she assumed office in 2021 following President John Magufuli’s sudden death, she was hailed for lifting bans on opposition rallies and unblocking some media outlets. But rights groups now accuse her of reverting to authoritarian tactics reminiscent of her predecessor’s rule.

Analysts say the president faces internal challenges within the CCM and from factions of the military still loyal to Magufuli’s hardline legacy. Tensions have been further inflamed by public anger directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul, who is alleged to have led an informal “election security task force” comprising police and intelligence officers. The group has been accused of orchestrating the pre-election crackdown, including the abduction of activists and online influencers.

Among the abducted was a popular social media figure known as Niffer, who had joked about selling facemasks as a metaphor for political suffocation. His disappearance days before the vote fuelled outrage online and drew condemnation from civil society groups.

There had been no official statement from the  Presidency, the electoral commission, or security agencies. The government’s silence and continued internet restrictions have only deepened public uncertainty.

Observers warn that the violent fallout could mark a turning point for Tanzania, once considered a haven of relative stability in East Africa. What was meant to be a routine electoral affirmation of CCM dominance has instead exposed deep public disillusionment with one-party rule and the absence of credible opposition.