Tanzania Faces Political Crisis After Contested Election

Tanzania is in a serious political crisis following the general elections held on Oct. 29, 2025. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote. However, the elections were widely criticized as unfair. The government barred important opposition leaders from running, including Chadema party’s Secretary-General John Mnyika and Communications Director Brenda Rupia.

After the results came out, large protests broke out across cities, including Dar es Salaam. Security forces used live bullets and tear gas to stop the demonstrations. Reports say hundreds, maybe thousands, of protesters were killed. There are also allegations that police secretly disposed of bodies to hide the true scale of the violence.

Senior opposition figures, including Amani Golugwa, the Deputy Secretary-General of Chadema, have been arrested. Over 240 people have been charged with serious crimes like treason for protesting or opposing the government. Authorities also shut down the internet and imposed curfews to control the situation.

This crisis has raised alarm worldwide about the future of democracy and human rights in Tanzania. Families are searching for missing loved ones as the government tightens its grip on power. The political tension continues to grow with no clear resolution in sight.

_{Featured image: Human Rights Watch}