Tanzania Sees Devastating Losses Amidst Election Protests

Sat Nov 01 2025 04:48:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a controversial general election in Tanzania, protests have erupted, resulting in hundreds feared dead. The opposition accuses the government of suppressing democracy, while officials defend their response to civil unrest.

As protests rage across Tanzania in the aftermath of a contentious election, reports indicate hundreds may have died. The opposition claims around 700 fatalities due to clashes with security forces, while the government labels the events isolated incidents. Demonstrators denounce the unfair election, accusing authorities of silencing dissent.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Tanzania during three days of protests following Wednesday's general election, the country's main opposition party has stated.

A Chadema party spokesperson told the AFP news agency that around 700 individuals had perished in clashes with security forces. Currently, a nationwide internet shutdown hampers the verification of these reports.

The BBC has connected with a diplomatic source in Tanzania who confirmed credible evidence indicating at least 500 fatalities.

Meanwhile, a government official defended the state's handling of the unrest, asserting that nobody can state how many were injured.

Demonstrations have erupted in major urban centers, with young protesters decrying the election as manipulated after key opposition leaders were barred from running against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the occurrences as isolated incidents... our security forces acted very swiftly and decisively to address these situations during a BBC interview.

Reports of vandalism have continued to stream in, with the information blackout deemed necessary to halt further property damage.

Protests persisted in Dar es Salaam, particularly in neighborhoods like Salasala, Yombo, and Tegeta, as demonstrators disregarded warnings from military officials to cease protests.

The government is trying to downplay the scale of the violence and has implemented a curfew to control the unrest.

Journalists and human rights organizations are finding it challenging to verify casualty reports due to the internet shutdown. Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed with casualties, with many refusing to disclose information about injuries.

As the unrest continues, fears for safety grow among opposition leaders. One Chadema politician expressed concerns for his life, claiming massacres are carried out during night hours when no-one is there to witness them.

The UN has urged Tanzanian security forces to refrain from using excessive force, highlighting the alarming death toll from ongoing protests.

As violence erupts and elections continue, President Samia is anticipated to secure victory under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence.

Official election results are expected soon amidst calls for accountability and transparency.