Tanzania Post-Election Protests Turn Deadly: 700 Reported Killed, Curfew and Internet Shutdown Imposed

Spokesperson John Kitoka from Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, stated that the death count in Dar es Salaam is approximately 350. He added that the count in Mwanza is over 200.

The general election in the African nation of Tanzania has sparked violent protests. As a result, authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew. They also shut down the internet service across the country. Accusations have surfaced against President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Critics claim she has incarcerated her political rivals. Meanwhile, Chadema, Tanzania’s primary opposition party, has made a grave assertion. They claim about 700 people died during three days of intense protests nationwide.

The Opposition’s Claim on Casualties

News agency AFP reported the opposition’s claims. Chadema spokesperson John Kitoka spoke on Friday, October 31, 2025. He stated, “The death count in Dar es Salaam at this time is about 350. Furthermore, in Mwanza, it is over 200. Combining figures from other locations across the country makes a total of 700 people dead.” An AFP security source also claimed hearing reports of a similar death toll.

How the Protests Started in Tanzania

The protests in Tanzania began on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. They started following the disputed general election. The election was widely considered to favor President Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). After the general election, demonstrators tore down posters. They also attacked police stations and clashed with security forces. Protesters demonstrated in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Dodoma, and many other areas. They carried out clashes with both police and security forces on the streets.

Internet Restriction Persists on Third Day Amid Unrest

The confrontations between protesters, police, and security forces caused unrest to spread across several parts of Tanzania. The Tanzanian government responded by implementing a curfew. They also imposed a complete block on internet access to manage the situation. According to news agency AFP, the government maintained the internet ban for the third consecutive day. Additionally, foreign journalists were restricted from extensively covering the widespread incidents of national unrest.