Protesters clash with security forces in Dar es Salaam following disputed election results that handed President Samia Suluhu Hassan a sweeping victory. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for calm and restraint in Tanzania following days of violent unrest that erupted after the October 29 general election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote.
According to reports from the opposition party Chadema, the protests—sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and voter suppression—have claimed at least 700 lives in just three days. Hundreds more have been injured, and property worth millions of shillings has been destroyed in what observers are describing as Tanzania’s worst political crisis in decades.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, urged all sides to cease hostilities immediately and prioritize the safety of civilians.
“We appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to prioritise the well-being and livelihoods of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania,” read part of the SADC communiqué.
Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who chairs the SADC Security Organ, has urged calm and dialogue to restore stability in Tanzania. Photo/Courtesy
President Mutharika reaffirmed SADC’s readiness to support Tanzania in finding a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most effective path to restoring order. He called on political leaders, civil society, and religious groups to engage constructively and uphold the nation’s longstanding reputation for peace and stability.
“Our collective aspiration remains the restoration of harmony and stability in the United Republic of Tanzania, in line with our shared vision of good governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development across the region,” he said.
Mounting international pressure
The unrest has drawn international concern, with Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom jointly condemning the violence and urging Tanzanian authorities to exercise restraint. Human rights groups have also called for independent investigations into reports of security forces using live ammunition against demonstrators.
In Dar es Salaam, witnesses reported widespread chaos, with security forces clashing with opposition supporters in several districts. Internet access has been severely restricted, limiting the flow of information and making it difficult to verify casualty figures.
Chadema leaders, including former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, have accused the government of orchestrating a “sham election” by disqualifying major opposition contenders. Lissu and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo were both barred from running, a move critics say undermined the credibility of the poll.
Residents of Arusha take to the streets as opposition party Chadema denounces alleged electoral fraud and calls for international intervention. Photo/Courtesy
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who first assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, was sworn in for a new five-year term on Saturday after being officially declared the winner by the National Electoral Commission.
Her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party maintains that the election was free and fair, dismissing opposition claims as baseless. The government has also defended the heavy security response, arguing it was necessary to prevent “anarchy and destruction of national property.”
SADC has offered to deploy a mediation team to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition. The regional bloc’s intervention is expected to complement efforts by the African Union and the East African Community to de-escalate the crisis.
Political analysts say the unrest exposes deep-seated frustrations over governance, economic inequality, and shrinking democratic space in Tanzania. They argue that without meaningful dialogue and reforms, the country risks sliding further into instability.
Regional observers are also warning that the crisis could spill over into neighbouring countries if not contained swiftly. SADC’s statement stressed that stability in Tanzania is vital for the security of the entire region.
As the death toll continues to rise, the world is watching to see whether President Samia’s administration will heed calls for restraint and dialogue—or double down on a hardline response that could further inflame tensions.
For now, the people of Tanzania remain caught between hope for peace and fear of what may come next.
Daisy Okiring is a Kenyan environmental and science Journalist known for her in-depth reporting on climate change, agriculture, and health. She works with Newsflash Kenya as a Features Writer and online strategist. Her storytelling often highlights community voices, sustainability, and data-driven solutions.
