By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Tanzania recently held their elections on 29 October 2025, and chaos has ensued since then as re-elected President, Samia Suluhu Hassan has unleashed autocracy upon the nation.
Hassan has put her main opposition in these recent elections on trial for treason as well as barring anyone wishing to contest for presidency. Activists who are determined to oppose her autocratic response have been brutalised, arrested and even disappeared.
The protests have seemingly spread across the city, as well as an internet blackout which has now occurred which has made things difficult in regards to ascertaining whether or not a war is taking place. Many citizens of Tanzania have expressed that their anger lies in the elections potentially being rigged in favour of Hassan.
Protestors have set fire to police stations and various forms of infrastructure, hijacking police vehicles as well as vehicles that are ruled by the ruling party, as well as desecrating polling stations. However the police have responded with force, as civilians have been met with gunfire and teargas.
Two people have been murdered on election day due to this response, and several others have been reported injured. The death toll has been in the hundreds since the elections took place at the hands of police forces.
Despite 72% of Tanzanian work force consists of street vendors, motor cycled taxi drivers and various other informal employment, Hassan’s authoritarian approach aims to suppress the needs of these citizens.
Hassan has also failed to provide substantial investment into the health and education system of Tanzania, even though more than half of Tanzania’s population consists of persons below 18. The economy of Tanzania remains largely unequal as more than 66% of Tanzanians suffer from poverty, despite gradual economic growth.
The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) who is the ruling party of Tanzania has ruled over the country 64 years after the country gained independence from British rule in 1961, since then the party has been using autocratic means to secure victory in each election.
There have not been any media updates on the country since the elections as they may be due to the internet black outs, as well Hassan taking measures in silencing journalists in Tanzania.
Hassan’s government has denied any excessive force taken against its citizens, however has imposed strict lockdown regulations and has made it difficult for anyone to know any information on the situation in the country. United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres, has expressed his concern over the situation amid reports of deaths and injuries occurring during the protests.