Tanzania Faces Continued Unrest: Protesters Stand Against Election Results

Fri Oct 31 2025 22:33:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst ongoing protests in Tanzania against election results, citizens defy military orders, voicing concerns over fairness and democracy. The situation continues to escalate with reports of violence and government crackdowns.

Tanzania is experiencing its third consecutive day of protests as citizens express frustration over perceived electoral injustices. Reports indicate significant unrest in major cities, where demonstrators are contesting the exclusion of key opposition figures from the electoral process. An internet blackout complicates efforts to verify casualty reports, while the UN and other organizations call for restraint from security forces. The government maintains that it is controlling the situation despite reports of violence and unrest.

Protesters have taken to the streets in Tanzania for a third day, defying warnings from the country's army chief to end the unrest.

Demonstrations have been taking place in major cities with young protesters denouncing Wednesday's election as unfair as key opposition figures were excluded from contesting against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

An internet shutdown remains in place, making it difficult to confirm reports of deaths, and the authorities have extended a curfew in a bid to quell the protests.

The UN has called on the East African nation's security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force.

We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have occurred in the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. Reports we have received indicate that at least 10 people were killed, Reuters quoted the UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango as saying, citing credible sources.

Amnesty International in Kenya informed the BBC that with communications down in neighbouring Tanzania, the rights group was unable to confirm reports of deaths.

Hospitals in the country refuse to provide information to journalists or human rights groups when asked about casualties.

The government has sought to downplay the scale of the violence, while the electoral commission has begun releasing results from more than half of the total 100 constituencies.

President Samia is expected to win the vote under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed the country since independence in 1961. Official results are anticipated on Saturday.

The situation in Zanzibar mirrors unrest on the mainland, with claims of significant electoral fraud and a subsequent protest among opposition parties. Tourists are reportedly stranded at the airport due to disruptions caused by the protests.

In the capital, the Chief Muslim cleric has advised followers to pray at home amidst fears of escalating violence. Meanwhile, the army chief’s order for protesters to clear the streets has gone largely unheeded by demonstrators.

The unrest reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current administration, especially following the incarceration of key opposition leader Tundu Lissu and the disqualification of another contender, exacerbating tensions in the nation.