Tanzania Marks One Year Since Violent 2025 Election

Tanzania marked the one-year anniversary of the October 29, 2025, election on which Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote. The election triggered a five-day nationwide lockdown and protests that security forces suppressed with violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths. While a government-appointed commission reported 518 deaths, rights groups and the opposition claim thousands were killed.

In the year since, the government has failed to arrest any officials for human rights violations. President Hassan established an initial commission of inquiry in November 2025 and has since formed a second commission to investigate the planning of the unrest and the unlawful use of force. Despite these measures, critics report a rise in arbitrary arrests, abductions, and the use of terrorism and treason charges to silence dissent. Former ambassador Humphrey Polepole remains missing after criticizing the ruling party, and dissident Twaha Mwaipaya was abducted in Kenya.

Opposition party Chadema announced a seven-day mourning period for the victims, while the Catholic Church held masses. The Tanzanian Police Force has warned against criminal mobilization as tensions remain high. The country now awaits a November 6 verdict in the treason trial of Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who recently began a hunger strike to demand access to his lawyer. Other opposition figures, including official John Pambalu, also face treason charges.