Tanzania shuts down internet amid election protests and media blackout

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Tanzanians headed to the polls in what was expected to be a routine presidential election. Instead, the day descended into nationwide unrest, with protesters flooding the streets to denounce what they called a rigged and repressive process.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state, is seeking a second term, but her path to victory has been marred by allegations of opposition suppression. According to reports, major opposition candidates were either jailed, disqualified, or mysteriously disappeared, leaving voters with what many described as no real choice.

Internet Shutdown and Media Blackout
In response to growing protests, the Tanzanian government imposed a full internet blackout, cutting off access to social media, messaging platforms, and news outlets. The blackout continued into Thursday, October 30, making it nearly impossible for citizens to communicate or share updates with the outside world.

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Foreign journalists attempting to cover the elections were denied entry, and those already in the country reported limited or no internet access, even in border towns like Namanga, which saw its own wave of unrest.

As demonstrations intensified, the government deployed military forces to suppress protests. In Dar es Salaam and other major cities, roadblocks and clashes were reported, with some protesters targeting government buildings. The anti-corruption agency’s offices were set ablaze, and a 6 PM curfew was imposed nationwide.

The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a safety advisory, warning its citizens to avoid demonstrations and remain indoors amid reports of violence and restricted movement.

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A Nation in the Dark
With communication cut off and no independent media coverage, the true scale of the unrest remains unclear. Rights groups have condemned the situation as a “wave of terror”, citing abductions, intimidation, and political repression in the lead-up to the vote.

As of now, President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to retain power, but the legitimacy of the election is under intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally.

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