The 2025 Tanzanian election protests are a series of demonstrations and civil unrest that began on 29 October 2025, coinciding with Tanzania's general elections. The protests erupted in Dar es Salaam and later spread to other cities, following allegations of electoral irregularities, suppression of opposition parties, and police intimidation. Security forces responded with gunfire, tear gas, and curfews, prompting international concern and travel warnings from several foreign governments.[2][3]
Tanzania held general elections on 29 October 2025. Incumbent president Samia Suluhu Hassan sought a full term, while several opposition candidates were either barred or detained ahead of the vote. Human rights organisations and foreign observers had raised concerns about shrinking civic space, media restrictions, and alleged interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission.[3]
Timeline
29 October
General elections were held in Tanzania. Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam as voters and opposition-supporters reacted to the barring of several opposition figures. Security forces were deployed and an internet blackout was reported.[4]
A curfew was imposed in Dar es Salaam after clashes around polling stations, including burning tyres and reported attacks on a bus and a petrol station.[5]
30 October
Demonstrations continued in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza. Security forces used tear gas and reportedly fired live ammunition to disperse crowds.[6]
Roadblocks operated by the Tanzanian Army were deployed throughout the country turning away anyone if they could not prove they were a essential worker.[7]
Unrest spilled into Kenya’s Namanga border town as clashes near the frontier disrupted cross-border trade, with tear gas fired and shops closing.[8]
31 October
Opposition sources claimed around 700 people had been killed nationwide, while the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported at least 10 confirmed deaths and expressed concern over the use of live ammunition.[9] John Kitoka, a spokesperson for the Chadema opposition party, told AFP that Chadema’s numbers had been gathered by a network of party members going to hospitals and health clinics and “counting dead bodies”. He demanded that the government “stop killing our protesters” and called for a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections.[10]
Emirates suspended its flights to and from Dar es Salaam due to the ongoing post-election unrest, stating that operations would remain halted while the situation was being monitored.[12] In a security alert, the U.S. Embassy stated that a nationwide curfew from 6pm to 6am was in effect, that international flights were "intermittent," and that internet access continued to be blocked.[13]
2 November
The main opposition party, Chadema, formally rejected the election results, calling them “completely fabricated” and stating the protests were evidence that citizens did not accept the outcome; the government rejected the claims and asserted that it would use all security avenues to maintain order.[14] The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against "all but essential travel to Tanzania," stating that "there are shortages of food, fuel and cash, compounded by the lack of internet services."[15]
Outbreak of protests
Protests started in Dar es Salaam during election day, with demonstrators burning tyres, blocking roads, and denouncing what they described as a "sham election". Clashes were reported near polling stations and government buildings, and several videos circulated online showing security forces firing live rounds into the air. By evening, authorities imposed a city-wide curfew, ordered businesses closed, and deployed additional police and military units.[2]
Cross-border impact
The post-election unrest in Tanzania also affected neighbouring Kenya. In the border town of Namanga, some protesters reportedly crossed into Kenya as Tanzanian security forces fired tear gas near the border, disrupting trade and forcing shops to close. The ongoing internet shutdown in Tanzania was also felt on the Kenyan side, affecting communication in the area.[16]
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