Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the deaths during post-election protests in Tanzania.
Two people were reported dead and several left severely injured on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025 after violent clashes between police and protesters. Authorities imposed a nationwide night curfew and restricted internet access following widespread unrest.
Amnesty International in a statement urged security forces to exercise restraint and avoid using, ‘unnecessary and excessive force’ against demonstrators.
“Reports that one member of the public and one police officer have been killed during Election Day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high,” Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa said.
The unrest followed Wednesday’s general elections, which were marked by allegations of repression and opposition exclusion.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered a 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew after violent clashes erupted in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha, where police fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse protesters calling for an election boycott.
Authorities attributed the nationwide internet disruption to technical issues, but major platforms including X (Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp remained largely inaccessible throughout the day.
Civic groups and election observers condemned the government’s actions, warning that restrictions on information and press freedom threaten Tanzania’s democratic space.
“The authorities must allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline, ensure full internet access, and allow local and international media to report freely on the election,” Amnesty stated.
The vote, dominated by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, saw key opposition presidential candidates like Tundu Lissu (CHADEMA) and Luhaga Mpina (ACT-Wazalendo) prevented from participating. Both parties had urged their supporters to boycott the polls, citing harassment and unfair disqualification.
Election observers reported low voter turnout in Mwanza, Mbeya, and Zanzibar, with polling stations heavily guarded by armed security forces. Civil society organizations have since demanded the release of detained opposition members and the restoration of full internet access.
Founded from the liberation movement of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Chama Cha Mapinduzi appears poised to extend its 69-year rule under President Suluhu’s leadership.
While supporters credit the party for maintaining national unity and stability, critics warn that the suppression of dissent could push Tanzania toward a de facto one-party state.
