Widespread Unrest and Communications Blackout

Tanzania is grappling with a severe political crisis following its general election on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Major cities, including the economic hub Dar es Salaam, have been rocked by violent protests, leading to a nationwide lockdown and a near-total communications blackout. The government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was seeking to solidify her position in a poll marred by the disqualification of major opposition candidates, has remained silent amidst the chaos. The status and whereabouts of President Suluhu herself remain uncertain, according to diplomatic sources.

Reports from various international news outlets and diplomatic sources paint a grim picture. Protests erupted on election day and continued for a second day, with demonstrators clashing with security forces. Unverified images and videos on social media showed police responding with live fire, and protesters targeting police stations, polling centres, and businesses linked to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. An AFP journalist witnessed a police station burned down in Dar es Salaam. The government imposed a curfew in the city and deployed the military to quell the unrest.

Casualties and Human Rights Concerns

While official figures are unavailable due to the communication shutdown and restrictions on independent media, there are unconfirmed reports of significant casualties. A diplomatic source cited by AFP suggested that upwards of 30 people may have been killed in the violence, a figure that could not be independently verified. Amnesty International stated it had documented two reported deaths from social media imagery and described the violence as “deeply disturbing,” warning of a high risk of further escalation. In the lead-up to the election, human rights groups had condemned what they called a “wave of terror,” involving abductions and arrests of government critics and opposition figures.

Economic Fallout and Regional Implications for Kenya

The instability has immediate and serious consequences for Kenya and the wider East African region. The Port of Dar es Salaam, a critical trade gateway for several landlocked countries, ceased all operations following the outbreak of civil disturbances. This closure disrupts major supply chains, including the import of essential commodities like fertilizer, potentially impacting food security in the region. The shutdown of the Central Corridor places greater pressure on Kenya's Port of Mombasa, but also creates uncertainty for regional trade.

The communications blackout, which includes a nationwide internet disruption confirmed by global monitor NetBlocks, is severely hampering economic activity and the flow of information. Tourists have been reported stranded at airports with international flights cancelled and electronic transactions failing. The United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a security alert on Thursday, October 30, 2025, advising its citizens to avoid demonstrations and keep a low profile, noting the closure of major roads, including the route to Julius Nyerere International Airport.

A Test for the East African Community

The crisis in Tanzania presents a significant challenge to the East African Community (EAC), which had deployed an election observation mission to the country. The EAC's principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states is being tested against its commitment to democratic governance and stability. There are growing concerns across East Africa that the events in Tanzania reflect a broader trend of shrinking democratic space in the region. Kenyan parliamentarians have already voiced alarm over the situation, with Saboti MP Caleb Amisi citing reports of violence against youths and calling for regional attention. The historical and economic interdependence of Kenya and Tanzania means that prolonged instability is not contained by borders, affecting everything from trade volumes to diplomatic relations. As the situation unfolds, the response of regional bodies and neighbouring states will be critical in mitigating the crisis and preventing further escalation.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.