UPDATE: Tanzania’s newly elected President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in Monday in a tightly controlled ceremony in Dodoma, following a disputed election that has ignited deadly protests across the nation. The ceremony, held on government grounds, marks a stark shift from previous public oaths taken in packed stadiums.
Tensions remain palpable in Dar es Salaam, where protests erupted after the October 29, 2025 election saw two major opposition candidates barred from running. Streets are deserted, with gas stations and grocery shops shuttered, as government employees are urged to work from home amid fears of further unrest.
The election has been marred by violence, with reports of demonstrators clashing with police in major cities. The military has been deployed to assist in quelling the unrest, leading to a chaotic environment where internet access has been sporadic, significantly disrupting daily life and travel.
In a troubling development, the United Nations has reported credible evidence of at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro due to the violence. The main opposition party, Chadema, has vehemently rejected the election results, stating, “These results have no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania.”
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms necessary for a fair vote. Another prominent opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo Party, was also barred from running, further intensifying the political crisis.
In response to the unrest, the government has postponed the reopening of universities, originally scheduled for November 3. Meanwhile, the violence has led to the closure of the Namanga border crossing with Kenya, where agricultural goods have been left to spoil for over six days.
International leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, have called for peace and dialogue among Tanzanian stakeholders to restore stability. Ruto, who did not attend the swearing-in ceremony, expressed his concerns through a public statement urging calm.
As the situation unfolds, many are questioning what will happen next for Tanzania. The world is watching as protests continue and the government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of the electoral process.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops in Tanzania.
