What’s going on in Tanzania

Disputed general elections spark nationwide unrest

On 29 October 2025 Tanzania held a general election in which the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is widely expected to retain power.

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The main opposition parties were barred or their leaders detained, generating accusations of a sham election.

Key details:

Supporters of opposition parties took to the streets in cities like Dar es Salaam and Mwanza to protest exclusion from the ballot, alleged fraudulent vote-counting and repression.

The government responded by deploying the military, imposing nightly curfews, and restricting internet and telecommunications access.

1.Allegations of mass casualties and crackdown

Opposition groups claim the number of deaths from the protests could be hundreds — with some estimates pointing toward around 700.

However, international bodies such as United Nations (UN) report at least 10 confirmed deaths so far, though they note the figure may rise.

ohchr.org

According to a government statement, the incidents are “isolated” and order will be restored.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for immediate investigations into the use of force by security services.

Amnesty International

2.Digital battlefield and silencing of dissent

Even before voting day, Tanzania’s digital space became a key frontline. The government and affiliated actors intensified social-media campaigns, disinformation efforts, and restrictions on opposing voices.

On election day and beyond, internet outages and curbs on communication were reported.

3.Implications & what to watch

Political: The exclusion of major opposition parties raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the vote and the future of pluralism in Tanzania.

Human-rights: The scale of violence, detentions, and media / digital controls suggest mounting pressures on civic space.

Regional stability: As one of East Africa’s larger economies and political players, developments in Tanzania will attract international attention — from foreign governments, investors, and NGOs.

Local economy & daily life: With curfews, internet blackouts, and unrest in major cities, business operations, travel and everyday life are being disrupted.