Tanzania is facing its worst political and humanitarian crisis in years after violent protests erupted following last week’s general election.
Opposition leaders claim that over 700 people have been killed in clashes with security forces, as tension rises over what they describe as a “stolen election.”
The violence broke out shortly after reports that two major opposition presidential candidates were barred from the final tally, leading to widespread anger across major towns and border regions.
Protesters took to the streets in Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam, demanding justice and transparency in the vote count.
On October 30, chaotic scenes unfolded at the Namanga One-Stop Border Point between Kenya and Tanzania, where demonstrators carried the body of a man allegedly shot during protests.
Photos shared online showed grieving citizens chanting against police brutality while calling for international attention.
The government has not yet confirmed the reported death toll. However, police have acknowledged several “security incidents” and say that officers acted only to “restore peace and protect property.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the ruling CCM party candidate, was later declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote — a figure that opposition groups have rejected, calling it “mathematically impossible” and “a clear sign of electoral manipulation.”
Opposition coalition leader Freeman Mbowe accused the government of using intimidation and force to suppress dissent. “This was not an election — it was a war against democracy,” he said during a press briefing in Dodoma.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition, have called for an independent investigation into the reported killings and alleged disappearances. The United Nations and African Union have also urged restraint and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the streets of major cities remain heavily guarded by military vehicles, with curfews imposed in some regions to curb unrest.
Internet access has been disrupted intermittently, making it difficult for citizens to communicate or share updates.
As the country waits for official confirmation of the final election results, many Tanzanians fear the violence could escalate if dialogue between the government and the opposition does not begin soon.
Observers have warned that Tanzania’s image as one of East Africa’s most stable democracies is at risk unless urgent steps are taken to restore peace and public trust.
