Protests have swept across Tanzania as opposition supporters accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of rigging Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Demonstrations have turned violent in major cities, with hundreds of protesters clashing with police, blocking roads, and crossing into Kenya in defiance of the results.
At least two people reportedly died while fleeing confrontations with security forces, as tensions spread from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Dodoma. Witnesses describe streets filled with gunfire, tear gas, and bonfires, while hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured.
The opposition denounces the vote as a sham, pointing to the jailing of main opposition leader Tundu Lissu and the disqualification of ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina, which cleared the path for Samia’s re-election. Preliminary results show Samia winning over 95% of the vote in some regions, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from the European Union, which labelled the election a “fraud.”
Kenya has warned its citizens against joining border protests as clashes spill over at Namanga, where cross-border trade has ground to a halt. Amnesty International has condemned the violence and the nationwide internet shutdown, warning that the blackout could further escalate tensions.
President Samia, Tanzania’s first female leader, came to power in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli. Initially hailed for her reformist tone, she now faces growing anger over allegations of political repression and democratic backsliding.
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