Dozens of Tanzanians protesting following election of Samia Suluhu. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA has declared a week of mourning from November 5 to 11, 2025, after accusing security forces of killing hundreds of civilians during a crackdown on post-election protests.
The party says at least 700 people died in three days of unrest triggered by the exclusion of key opposition candidates from the October 29 election. CHADEMA spokesperson John Kitoka said about 350 deaths occurred in Dar es Salaam and more than 200 in Mwanza alone.
Rising death toll claims
According to CHADEMA, party volunteers visited hospitals and clinics across the country to compile the death figures. “The tally is at least 700,” Kitoka told reporters. A security source confirmed the figure could be between 700 and 800.
By contrast, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified only a minimum of 10 deaths so far and described credible evidence of live ammunition use by security forces.
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Government response
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, declared the election winner with 98 percent of the vote, dismissed the opposition’s figures as “grossly exaggerated.” Her government said security agencies acted to protect lives and property.
Army chief Jacob John Mkunda warned that “criminals will not be allowed to destabilise the country” as military and police rolled out curfews and deployment across major cities. Protesters, meanwhile, accused the state of silencing dissent.
Measures during unrest
The violence was accompanied by a five-day internet shutdown and a nationwide curfew to stem the protests. Internet monitor groups later confirmed widespread connectivity disruptions.
After access was restored, authorities sent SMS warnings to citizens stating that sharing images or videos that caused panic would be treated as a criminal offence.
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International concern
Global rights bodies have urged Tanzania to allow an independent investigation into the crackdown. A statement from the UN said it was deeply troubled by reports of enforced disappearances and excessive force.
The opposition describes the scale of deaths as unprecedented, while human rights lawyers allege victims are being secretly buried to suppress the true toll.
Impact and next steps
Families of the dead are now raising new demands: an electoral reform roadmap, accountability for security forces, and recognition of victims. CHADEMA has declared its flags at half-mast and called on citizens to honour those lost.
As Dar es Salaam slowly returns to calm, the nation faces a deeper crisis of trust, civic space, and fair elections. The final death toll remains unclear, but the wider damage to Tanzania’s democracy may last longer than the protests themselves.
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