UPDATE: Tanzania’s newly elected President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on October 30, 2025, amid escalating tensions following a disputed election that has ignited deadly protests across the nation. The ceremony, held in the capital city of Dodoma, was drastically restricted to invited guests, a stark contrast to previous public celebrations hosted in open stadiums.
Protests erupted after two major opposition candidates were barred from participating in the elections held just a day earlier. The unrest has led to widespread violence, with reports of at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. Streets in Dar es Salaam remained eerily quiet, with gas stations and grocery stores shuttered as citizens remained at home, fearing further violence.
The October 29 elections were marred by significant allegations of fraud, prompting the main opposition party, Chadema, to categorically reject the results. In a statement, the party declared, “These results have no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania.” The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently imprisoned on treason charges related to his calls for electoral reforms.
Tension escalated following the military’s deployment to assist police in quelling the riots, and internet services have been sporadic, further complicating communication and travel for citizens. The government has also announced the postponement of university reopenings that were scheduled for November 3, as unrest continues to spread across the country.
International reactions are mounting. Kenya’s President William Ruto issued an urgent appeal for peace and dialogue among Tanzanian stakeholders to maintain stability. Meanwhile, border crossings with neighboring Kenya have been affected, with agricultural goods left to spoil as transport routes remain blocked.
As the situation unfolds, authorities have yet to disclose specific numbers regarding casualties and injuries, leaving many families anxious for news of their loved ones. Eyewitness accounts from the protests paint a harrowing picture of chaos and destruction, with demonstrators clashing with security forces.
As the world watches, the implications of Hassan’s presidency amidst this turmoil raise critical questions about the future of democracy and stability in Tanzania. The coming days are pivotal as citizens and international observers alike await responses from both the new administration and opposition leaders on how to navigate this crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
