Tanzania’s election crisis: military-police clashes, protest deaths, and internet shutdown

Tanzania is facing a serious political crisis following its October 2025 general election, with violent protests, military deployment, and reported clashes between police and army units.

The unrest has drawn international attention and condemnation, especially after the United Nations confirmed at least 10 civilian deaths during demonstrations.

The protests erupted after the exclusion of two major opposition candidates from the presidential race, leaving incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan to face 16 lesser-known challengers.

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Many Tanzanians viewed the election as unfair and undemocratic, triggering mass demonstrations in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

As protests intensified, the government deployed both riot police and military forces to suppress dissent. Eyewitness accounts and viral footage suggest that confusion and disagreement between the two forces led to direct confrontations. This rare clash between Tanzania’s own security units has raised alarm about the state’s internal cohesion and crisis management.

In an effort to control the narrative and limit protest coordination, the government enforced a nationwide internet blackout and imposed curfews in key urban areas. Ferry services in Zanzibar were suspended for two days, and military patrols became a common sight across the mainland.

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– Human Rights Concerns: Amnesty International and the UN have condemned the use of lethal force and suppression of free speech.
– Political Stability: The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has governed Tanzania since independence. This crisis could challenge its long-standing dominance.
– East African Dynamics: Tanzania’s unrest may influence political discourse in neighboring countries, especially those with upcoming elections.