CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has announced plans to lead an in-depth investigation into alleged killings that occurred during Tanzania’s recent election unrest.
In a statement shared on Thursday, November 6, 2025, through his verified social media pages, Madowo revealed that he and his team were preparing a special CNN report that would uncover what took place during and after the controversial elections. The announcement follows growing claims that hundreds of Tanzanians may have lost their lives in the violence that erupted after the polls.
“Tanzanians, I am asking for your help. We are preparing a CNN report about what happened during and after the elections,” he said.
How Is Larry Madowo Gathering Evidence From Tanzanians?
Madowo appealed directly to Tanzanians to share first-hand evidence, noting that local journalists have faced severe restrictions in reporting on the unrest. He urged anyone who personally recorded incidents of violence to send him the original, unshared footage privately.
“Many people have died because of these events, but many journalists in Tanzania have not been given the freedom to tell the truth. So please send me videos if you recorded what happened yourself,” he added.
The journalist emphasized that his goal was to gather verified and authentic material that would accurately reflect the scale of human rights violations that reportedly occurred. Madowo said his team was determined to give a voice to victims and witnesses whose experiences had been silenced.
“So please send me videos if you recorded what happened yourself, and make sure it is not footage that was shared by someone else. Send it to me directly in my inbox. Help us investigate what really happened so that we can tell the world,” he said.
What Sparked the Unrest in Tanzania’s Elections?
Madowo’s appeal comes as international organizations continue to express concern over the violence that followed Tanzania’s disputed elections. The main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that more than 700 people were killed in protests across Dar-es-Salaam, Mwanza, and several other regions.
In contrast, the United Nations confirmed ten deaths but acknowledged receiving credible reports indicating the number could be higher. The UN human rights office also called on Tanzanian security forces to avoid excessive use of force and to work toward reducing tensions.
The unrest erupted after opposition leaders were barred from contesting key seats, triggering nationwide demonstrations. Protesters demanded electoral transparency and reforms, while security forces responded with arrests, gunfire, and internet shutdowns in several areas.
Madowo’s investigation aims to shed light on the events that many believe were deliberately hidden from the public. By collecting evidence directly from Tanzanians, his report seeks to ensure that the victims of the unrest are heard and that their stories reach a global audience.
By Lucky Anyanje