President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), took office for a second term on October 29, 2025 (Al Jazeera I). Upon the death of her predecessor, former President John Magufuli of the CCM, Hassan assumed her first presidential term in 2021 (Reuters I). Originally commended for easing government repression, she has since been condemned by opposing parties and activists following the election (Reuters I).
International observers have reported a lack of transparency regarding the death toll amid widespread turmoil and a nationwide internet shutdown (BBC I). A diplomatic source in Tanzania reported credible evidence of at least 500 deaths, whereas a spokesperson from the main opposition, Chama Cha Demokrasia Na Maendeleo (Chadema) party, have attributed nearly 700 deaths to clashes among protestors and security forces (BBC I). The NGO Human Rights Watch has concluded that Tanzanian authorities responded to post-election protests with lethal force and other abuses (AB). The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for investigations, citing disturbing reports that security forces are attempting to conceal evidence by transporting bodies from streets and hospitals to undisclosed locations (UN).
While President Hassan received 98% of the vote, protestors denounce the election as unfair and a threat to democracy as opposing party leaders were imprisoned or barred from running and were banned from contesting the results (BBC I & NPR). As of November 10, 2025, four senior Chadema officials have been released on bail while Chadema leader, Tundu Lissu, remains in custody, charged with treason (Al Jazeera II). As of November 7, 2025, nearly 250 Tanzanians face charges of treason and if convicted, could be subjected to a lifetime sentence or in extreme cases, death (BBC II). Some defendants have been accused of encouraging protestors to buy gas masks to protect themselves from the police tear gas (BBC II).
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) met with selected electoral stakeholders, including the Zanzibar Election Commission, government representatives, the media, citizen observer networks, and representatives of the international community (AU). Observers from the African Union (AU) documented incidents of ballot stuffing and other irregularities as shortcomings of democratic standards of the AU and international standards for democratic elections (Al Jazeera II). The faulty legal framework, which failed to implement recommended reforms from previous election observation missions, is believed to have compromised the integrity of the 2025 Tanzania General Election (AB). The low-voter turnout for this election indicates disengagement from the electoral process (AB).
The AUEOM continues to urgently call for constitutional reforms and is expected to publish detailed findings, lessons, and recommendations in the upcoming months (AU). Former proposed constitutional reforms, which were not implemented before the election, include the appointment process for Commissioners through an independent body, a revision to Article 41(7) which would allow the results of presidential elections to be challenged in court and revisions to Article 67(1)(b) which would allow independent candidates to contest elections (AU).
Censorship has remained an area of concern in Tanzania since the 2016 Media Services Act, one of four laws passed by Magufuli to limit the media and operations of nongovernmental organizations, protests, and even parliamentary debates (CSIS, Reuters III). Despite a weeklong nationwide internet shutdown and continuous media restrictions, digital rights groups have condemned the shutdown as a violation of human rights, but economic rights (BI). In addition to periodic political and economic tension between Tanzania and Kenya, diplomatic relations were further strained in May 2025 when former Kenyan chief justice and other prominent rights activists were detained and deported while traveling to attend Lissu’s trial (BBC II, Reuters IV). In her inauguration speech President Hassan accused foreigners of fueling unrest (BBC II). Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi addressed concerns of safety, along that of rights and dignity, with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in response to reports of Kenyans being killed, injured or detained (BBC II).
President Hassan has since, publicly addressed the impact of the clashes and proposed a new commission which would promote “reconciliation and peace” and investigate the violence of the biggest political crisis in decades (Reuters V). While there has been no immediate reaction from opposing parties, this proposal follows an investigation of abducted government critics ordered by President Hassan last year which has yet to release any findings (Reuters V).
Amid widespread generation unrest linked to issues such as corruption, climate change, and economic inequality, recent demonstrations in Tanzania reflect global youth-led mobilization movements (AP). Digital media has played a key role in organizing these movements, disseminating information, and fostering civic engagement and global awareness in politically unstable environments (AP).
SOURCES:
AB: https://african.business/2025/11/politics/african-union-observers-slam-tanzanias-violent-election
Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/3/president-hassan-sworn-in-following-deadly-tanzania-election
Al Jazeera II: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/11/tanzania-frees-opposition-leaders-following-deadly-election-protests
BBC I: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgv58zden2o
BBC II: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgz2vzlyzpo
CSIS: https://www.csis.org/analysis/one-year-tanzanian-president-hassan-whats-changed
Reuters II: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tanzania-lifts-ban-four-newspapers-2022-02-10/