Tanzania descended into chaos on Thursday following a tense election marred by violence, internet shutdowns, and widespread fear. A day after the polls, the nation remained on lockdown, with reports of dozens feared dead and communication across major cities cut off.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ran virtually unopposed after her main challengers were jailed or disqualified, faced mounting criticism both domestically and abroad. Rights groups had earlier condemned what they called a “wave of terror,” pointing to abductions of opposition figures and government critics in the final days before voting.
What triggered the post-election violence?
Witnesses described chaotic scenes in Dar es Salaam and other regions on Wednesday as hundreds of citizens defied heavy police deployment to protest what they saw as a sham election. Demonstrators were heard chanting, “We want our country back.” Unverified images on social media appeared to show police firing live rounds and targeting polling stations, vehicles, and businesses linked to the ruling party.
According to a diplomatic source quoted by AFP, the unrest stretched well into the night despite a police-imposed curfew. Internet and mobile data services were completely shut down, while military checkpoints appeared across Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other urban centers. Schools and government offices were ordered closed, with civil servants told to work from home.
Local media, tightly controlled by the state, made no mention of the protests or deaths. While official figures remain unavailable, unconfirmed reports suggested that over 30 people might have been killed during the violence.
Who is being blamed for the growing crisis?
Much of the public anger has turned toward President Hassan’s son, Abdul, who reportedly led an informal task force of police and intelligence officers overseeing election security. The task force has been accused of orchestrating pre-election abductions and silencing government critics, including the popular influencer Niffer, who was detained after posting satirical videos encouraging peaceful demonstrations.
Amnesty International described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” confirming two verified deaths from online footage while warning that “the risk of further escalation is high.” The rights group urged Tanzanian authorities to exercise restraint and protect civilians.
Opposition figures within Chadema told AFP they had also received reports of additional deaths but could not confirm exact numbers.
President Hassan, who rose to power in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, was once hailed as a reformer for easing restrictions on the opposition and media. However, those early reforms appear to have reversed, with Amnesty citing new instances of “enforced disappearance and torture” against activists and political figures.
Her main challenger, Tundu Lissu, remains on trial for treason, while another opposition leader, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified before the vote. As tension continues to rise, Tanzania faces one of its most uncertain moments in recent history, with the president’s future now under intense scrutiny both at home and abroad.
By Lucky Anyanje
