Tanzania is reeling from one of its darkest political moments in recent history. According to opposition leaders and diplomatic sources, hundreds of people have been killed during three days of violent clashes that erupted after Wednesday’s disputed general election. The official death toll remains unclear, with estimates ranging between 500 and 700 casualties, but widespread internet blackouts and media restrictions are making independent verification almost impossible.

A Nation on Edge After Disputed Election

The protests began in major cities like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha, where mostly young demonstrators took to the streets to challenge what they described as a rigged election. They accuse the government of undermining democracy by jailing or disqualifying key opposition leaders, effectively clearing the path for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to retain power.

President Samia, who became Tanzania’s first female leader in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, has faced mounting criticism for tightening political control despite early promises of reform. This election—her first since taking office—was seen as a critical test of her leadership and commitment to democracy.

Opposition Claims of “Massacres” and Government Denial

The opposition Chadema party claims that security forces have carried out “massacres during night hours”, targeting activists and community leaders. “These people kill with impunity,” said John Kitoka, Chadema’s Director of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, in an interview with the BBC.

Hospitals in Dar es Salaam reportedly remain overwhelmed with casualties, with staff refusing to release official numbers. One source described the morgues as “full,” suggesting that the real scale of the crisis may be far worse than what is currently being reported.

In stark contrast, Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit dismissed the allegations, calling the violence “a few isolated pockets of incidents here and there.” He insisted that the security forces acted decisively to restore order and defended the nationwide internet shutdown as a necessary step to prevent further unrest and protect lives.

Curfew Extended, Internet Shutdown Deepens the Crisis

Authorities have imposed an extended curfew across several regions, restricting movement at night and deploying additional security forces to urban centers. However, the shutdown of social media and news sites has sparked widespread outrage among citizens and international observers.

Analysts warn that the internet blackout, intended to suppress the spread of “false information,” has also cut off critical communication channels, leaving families unable to reach loved ones and journalists unable to report accurately from the ground.

International Community Calls for Restraint

The international community has responded with alarm. The United Nations called on Tanzanian security forces to refrain from excessive use of force. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway issued a joint statement urging authorities to “act with maximum restraint” and respect freedom of expression.

Diplomatic observers note that Tanzania, once praised for its stability and peaceful political transitions, is now drawing comparisons to crackdowns in neighboring East African nations where dissent has been violently suppressed.

Zanzibar and Mainland Protests Spread

Unrest has also spilled into Zanzibar, Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago, where President Hussein Mwinyi—also of the CCM—was declared the winner with nearly 80% of the vote. Opposition parties in Zanzibar have alleged “massive fraud”, according to the Associated Press.

Tourists stranded at Zanzibar International Airport report flight delays and cancellations, as mainland protests and communication blackouts disrupt travel. Images emerging online—many smuggled out through encrypted apps—show burning tyres, tear gas, and riot police clashing with protesters across several cities.

A Legacy Party Facing a Legitimacy Crisis

The CCM has governed Tanzania since its independence in 1961, maintaining an image of unity and progress. However, critics argue that this dominance has stifled political competition and concentrated power in the hands of a few.

President Samia was initially seen as a reformist leader after Magufuli’s controversial rule, during which dissent was crushed and media freedom was curtailed. Yet, opposition figures say her “hesitant reforms” and reliance on old-guard party structures have only deepened frustration among Tanzania’s youth—many of whom feel excluded from political and economic opportunities.

Political analyst Joseph Mbise commented, “This election shows that Tanzania’s younger generation is no longer willing to accept cosmetic democracy. They want genuine accountability.”

The Road Ahead: Hope Amid Turmoil

As the country awaits official election results—expected on Saturday—tension remains high. Few doubt that President Samia and the CCM will retain power, but the cost to Tanzania’s democratic credibility could be immense.

Observers warn that unless the government allows independent investigations, restores internet access, and opens dialogue with opposition leaders, the violence could worsen.

For ordinary Tanzanians, the priority is safety and stability. But for the international community and human rights groups, the crisis raises deeper questions about the future of democracy in East Africa.